Using sequencing techniques, researchers associated 51 mutations in mitochondrial DNA with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), an incurable degenerative neurological disorder that leads to muscle atrophy and paralysis. Thirteen of the mutations increased the risk of ALS, while 38 were protective. The study suggests these mutations may be important for future tests and research on ALS.
This article was originally published on MedicalXpress.com