The role of the AP-1 transcription factor c-Jun in ALS

Description:

What this research means to you: This project will build on preliminary work suggesting that switching off a certain gene (known as c-Jun) can slow disease progression in mice that model MND. Exploring the mechanisms underlying this effect could lead to the development of potential treatments.

The researcher explains in more detail: The c-Jun gene is a well known transcription factor that is an important regulator of motor neuron death during embryonic development and after neuronal damage in adults. However, its function in MND is unknown. We propose to investigate the role of c-Jun in motor neuron death in MND by crossing SOD1 transgenic mice (which model human MND) with mice lacking c-Jun in their neurons – the resulting offspring will model MND progression in the absence of c-Jun. We will also explore the role of c-Jun by using drugs to block its action in SOD1 mice. Our preliminary analysis indicates that absence of c-Jun increases average survival and motor neuronal viability of SOD1 mice. Blocking the function of c-Jun may thus have possible benefits for human MND patients. An understanding of this mechanism could assist in drug development.