Abstract
The genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is known in a minority of cases. Mutations in SOD1, the gene encoding a superoxide dismutase on chromosome 21, are indeed found in 20% of familial ALS patients, who constitute only 5 or 10% of all ALS patients. In rare cases, a mutation in NFH, the gene encoding the heavy subunit of neurofilament, is present. Familial ALS has been linked to other loci but the genes involved remain to be identified. A genetic component is also thought to at least contribute to the pathogenesis of sporadic ALS. Their identification is now possible thanks to progress in molecular genetics.
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Robberecht, W. Genetics of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. J Neurol 247 (Suppl 6), VI2–VI6 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1007/PL00007785
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/PL00007785