The nucleolus may link cellular stress to ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases
Original source
Beyond the Ribosome: The Expanding Role of the Nucleolus in Neurodegenerative Pathways. (opens in a new tab)Compass summarised this from the study's abstract.
Study details
- Study type
- Review
- Studied in
- Human, Animal
Related topics
A review describes the nucleolus as more than the cell’s ribosome-making centre. It examines evidence that changes in nucleolar structure and stress responses are associated with aging, neurodegenerative diseases and C9orf72-linked ALS/frontotemporal dementia. The authors suggest that the nucleolus could become a target for future treatments.
Why this matters
The review highlights cellular pathways that may contribute to neuronal damage in some forms of ALS and other diseases. This could guide future research, but it does not show that targeting the nucleolus benefits people with ALS or change current treatment.
Limitations and context
This is a review of existing evidence, not a new clinical study. Some ideas, including a possible gut-brain-nucleolus link and the nucleolus as a drug target, are presented as emerging or proposed concepts and still require testing.