Distal axonopathy in an alsin-deficient mouse model

HX Deng, H Zhai, R Fu, Y Shi, GH Gorrie… - Human molecular …, 2007 - academic.oup.com
HX Deng, H Zhai, R Fu, Y Shi, GH Gorrie, Y Yang, E Liu, MC Dal Canto, E Mugnaini…
Human molecular genetics, 2007academic.oup.com
Mutations in Alsin are associated with chronic juvenile amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS2),
juvenile primary lateral sclerosis and infantile-onset ascending spastic paralysis. The
primary pathology and pathogenic mechanism of the disease remain largely unknown. Here
we show that alsin-deficient mice have motor impairment and degenerative pathology in the
distal corticospinal tracts without apparent motor neuron pathology. Our data suggest that
ALS2 is predominantly a distal axonopathy, rather than a neuronopathy in the central …
Abstract
Mutations in Alsin are associated with chronic juvenile amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS2), juvenile primary lateral sclerosis and infantile-onset ascending spastic paralysis. The primary pathology and pathogenic mechanism of the disease remain largely unknown. Here we show that alsin-deficient mice have motor impairment and degenerative pathology in the distal corticospinal tracts without apparent motor neuron pathology. Our data suggest that ALS2 is predominantly a distal axonopathy, rather than a neuronopathy in the central nervous system of the mouse model, implying that alsin plays an important role in maintaining the integrity of the corticospinal axons.
Oxford University Press