A study in The Journal of Cell Biology shows how a transcription
factor called STAT3 remains in the axon of nerve cells to help
prevent neurodegeneration. The findings could pave the way for
future drug therapies to slow nerve damage in patients with
neurodegenerative diseases. In Lou Gehrig's Disease (ALS) and
other neurodegenerative diseases, nerve cells usually die in
stages, with axons deteriorating first and the cells themselves
perishing later. Axon degeneration may represent a turning point
for patients, after which so much nerve damage has accumulated
that treatments won't work. Researchers have tested several
proteins for their ability to save axons. One of these
molecules, CNTF, rescues axons in rodents and extends their
lives. But it caused severe side effects in patients during
clinical trials. "Acting on the same pathway but farther
downstream could be an ideal way to improve the situation for
motor neuron disease" and possibly for other neurodegenerative
diseases, says senior author Michael Send