Research reveals the scale of disorder underpinning Motor Neurone Disease

Written By : Isra Zaman

Medically Reviewed By : Dr. Kamal Kant Kohli

Published On 2023-07-24 03:45 GMT | Update On 2023-07-24 03:45 GMT

Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute and UCL have shown that hundreds of proteins and mRNA molecules are found in the wrong place in nerve cells affected by Motor Neuron Disease (MND), also known as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).

New research published in Neuron shows that the problem is much broader. This ‘mislocalization’ affects many more proteins than first thought, especially those involved in RNA binding. The mislocalization extends to mRNAs too, molecules that deliver instructions to make proteins from the DNA in the nucleus.

The researchers used stem cells from patients to create motor neurons with ALS-causing mutations in the TARDBP and VCP genes. They then separated the two main compartments of the cell (nucleus and cytoplasm) and analyzed all the mRNA and protein within each. They found that in ALS cells, hundreds of mRNAs and proteins were mislocated compared to healthy cells.

They observed proteins and mRNAs relocating from the cell’s nucleus (the ‘control center’) into the cytoplasm (the ‘body’ of the cell) or vice versa, hinting at potential transport issues within the cell. The researchers also saw that mislocated mRNAs and proteins interacted more with each other, compared to those in the right place.

Reference: Nucleocytoplasmic mRNA redistribution accompanies RNA binding protein mislocalization in ALS motor neurons and is restored by VCP ATPase inhibition. THE FRANCIS CRICK INSTITUTE

Full View

Article Source : Neuron

Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.

NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.

Isra Zaman

Isra Zaman is a Life Science graduate from Daulat Ram College, Delhi University, and a postgraduate in Biotechnology from Amity University. She has a flair for writing, and her roles at Medicaldialogues include that of a Sr. content writer and a medical correspondent. Her news pieces cover recent discoveries and updates from the health and medicine sector. She can be reached at editorial@medicaldialogues.in.

Comments Policy

Our comments section is governed by our Comments Policy . By posting comments at Medical Dialogues you automatically agree with our Comments Policy , Terms And Conditions and Privacy Policy .

Research reveals the scale of disorder underpinning Motor Neurone Disease

Similar News

Artificial Sweeteners Could Speed Up Brain Aging by 1.6 Years: Study Finds

Head Injuries May Raise Brain Cancer Risk: Major Studies Reveal

Tiny Gold Nanoparticles Show Promise For Early Parkinson's Disease Detection: Study Suggests

New 2025 Hypertension Guidelines Released with Stronger Focus on Brain Health and Early Intervention

Women with Down Syndrome More Vulnerable to Alzheimer's Than Men: Study Finds

Multiple Sclerosis May Begin 15 Years Earlier with Subtle Symptoms: Study Suggests

Can This Common Diabetes Drug Prevent Stroke? Emerging Data Suggests Strong Link

Study Shows Poor Sleep Habits May Be Linked to 172 Diseases