Genetic mutations in two previously unrecognized genes, the microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT) and BNIP1 genes, are associated with elevated risk for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis [5] (ALS).
The study with that finding “Selective genetic overlap between amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and diseases of the frontotemporal dementia spectrum, [6]” was published in the journal JAMA Neurology [7].
As seen in other neurodegenerative diseases, abnormal accumulation of toxic proteins seems to play a role in ALS onset and progression. However, researchers are still deciphering the molecular mechanisms associated with disease progression.
More… [8]