Study discovers potential new target for treatment of spinal muscular atrophy
Thursday, September 15, 2016 - 19:01
in Health & Medicine
In spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), the affected nerve cells that control muscle movement, or motor neurons, have defects in their mitochondria, which generate energy used by the cell, scientists have found for the first time. Impaired mitochondrial function and structure in motor neurons were discovered before symptoms occurred, suggesting a role in disease development.