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Article: Researchers at University of Wisconsin release new data on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
- Article from:
- Biotech Week
- Article date:
- February 11, 2009
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According to recent research published in the Journal of Neuroscience, "Activation of the transcription factor Nrf2 in astrocytes coordinates the upregulation of antioxidant defenses and confers protection to neighboring neurons. Dominant mutations in Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD1) cause familial forms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a fatal disorder characterized by the progressive loss of motor neurons."
"Non-neuronal cells, including astrocytes, shape motor neuron survival in ALS and are a potential target to prevent motor neuron degeneration. The protective effect of Nrf2 activation in astrocytes has never been examined in a chronic model of ...