Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis microtubules

Researchers found that a mutation in the RNA-binding protein Ataxin-2 disrupts microtubule stability in motor neurons, slowing growth and function. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the disease this work touches, a condition that gradually weakens muscles. In fruit flies, expanded repeats in Ataxin-2 form toxic clumps that destabilize microtubules and blunt axon growth; the study points to new ways to target the root causes of motor neuron degeneration and offers hope for future treatments.