Loss of Tiny 'Non-Coding' Genetic Molecules Could Play Role in Neurodegenerative Diseases (IMAGE)

Salk Institute

Loss of Tiny 'Non-Coding' Genetic Molecules Could Play Role in Neurodegenerative Diseases

Caption

Salk scientists find mice that lack a microRNA molecule develop fatal neurodegenerative symptoms. Pictured are the synapses between motor neurons and muscle that are normal in control mice (top). In mice lacking the microRNA molecule miRNA-218, neuromuscular junctions are severely defective and motor neurons undergo neurodegeneration. Pre-synaptic motor axons are in green, and post-synaptic acetylcholine receptors expressed by muscle are in red. Areas of overlap in yellow identify correctly formed neuromuscular junctions.

Credit

Neal Amin/Salk Institute

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