CGDN researchers develop model for neuron cell death

Researchers of the Canadian Genetic Diseases Network (CGDN) have developed a new model for neuronal cell death. Researchers at the Univ of Toronto, Hospital for Sick Children, Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics and the Univ of British Columbia have shown that mutant genes confer a constant risk of programmed cell death and contribute to inherited diseases such as Huntington disease, Parkinson disease and retinal degeneration. The new study under the direction of Dr Roderick McInnes points to a new approach for finding treatments for such diseases, laying the groundwork for researchers to try to target factors leading to increased risk of neuronal death caused by mutant genes. The research team discovered that living neurons involved in neurodegenerative disease are not likely to be seriously damaged and can function for years, but they are at increased risk of suddenly dying. The challenge is now to identify the critical reactions leading to increased risk....