Causes of ALS
method to determine the Causes of ALS
Blood samples of 20 individuals will be collected to determine the cause of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). A consent form will be signed. In our study, mutations will be checked. DNA of the selected individuals, who may have higher chances of developing ALS, will be checked and genome scan will be analyzed with proper applications such as Genehunter v2.1. Polymerase-chain reactions (PCR) will be performed on DNA, and PCR products will be sequenced in the proper facilities.
Results of Causes of ALS
ALS can be hereditary and 5% to 10% of all cases of ALS are inherited (Benarroch 658). Novel mutations or findings will come related to SOD1. Moreover, highest LOD score will be found on chromosomes with high chances of inheritance.
Discussion of Causes of ALS
One of the first causes is the genetic mutations that can result in inherited ALS. Researchers have found that mutations in the gene for the enzymes copper zinc superoxide dismutase or superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) are involved in about 15% to 20% of the familial cases (UC San Diego, als.ucsd.edu). Protein mishandling and disturbed immune responses are also considered to be important causes in the development of ALS. Another cause is chemical imbalance in the brain. Patients of ALS have more than normal levels of a chemical messenger, known as glutamate, in the brain around the neurons in the spinal fluid. High levels of glutamate are found to be toxic and can kill some nerve cells (“Cancer Watch” 140). However, further studies are required in order to confirm the relation of genetic mutations, protein mishandling, immune disturbance and chemical impairments in the brain.
Works Cited
Benarroch, E.E. Basic Neurosciences with Clinical Applications. Butterworth Heinemann/Elsevier, 2006. Print.
Cancer Watch. Adenine Press, 2001. Print.
UC San Diego. " Causes of ALS ". UC San Diego. UC San Diego School of Medicine., n.d. Web. 18 Nov. 2014
