Scientists link mutated gene with Lou Gehrig's disease

Scientists have identified the gene responsible for causing Lou Gehrig's disease and frontotemporal dementia (FTD).

In a study published by Neuron, scientists from the University of California revealed that they had discovered a genetic mutation that is accountable for around 12 per cent of familial

FTD and more than 22 per cent of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) samples studied.

FTD and ALS are known as Lou Gehrig's disease and are fatal neurodegenerative diseases that are triggered by a common genetic mutation.

The report claimed that the mutated gene is also the strongest genetic risk factor found to date for the more common, non-inherited forms of these diseases.

"Both clinically and at the molecular level this discovery is going to significantly improve our understanding of these diseases," said co-author Dr Adam Boxer, from the UCSF Memory and Aging Center.
The discovery may make it possible to develop a diagnostic test for Lou Gehrig's disease.