Surprising Culprit in Nerve Cell Damage Identified (IMAGE)
Caption
In many neurodegenerative conditions -- Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and peripheral neuropathy among them -- an early defect is the loss of axons. When axons are lost, nerve cells can't communicate as they should, and nervous system function is impaired. In peripheral neuropathy in particular, and perhaps other diseases, sick axons trigger a self-destruct program.
Nerve axons (left) serve as the electrical wiring of the nervous system. In new research, scientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have implicated a specific molecule in triggering a self-destruct program in axons that leads to their degeneration (right). Since axonal degeneration is a common thread in many neurodegenerative diseases, including peripheral neuropathy, researchers are seeking ways to block it. Both images show mouse axons. Yellow and green color added for clarity.
Credit
Josiah Gerdts (Milbrandt lab)
Usage Restrictions
None
License
Licensed content