Proteins protect nerve cells after injury

The August 13, 2004, issue of Science contained an article in which researchers at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis reported the results of their study of nerve cell breakdown after injury in mice. The researchers identified key proteins involved in the protection and preservation of nerve cells after they have been cut or exposed to chemotherapy. The researchers believe that if this mechanism for delaying nerve cell breakdown could be activated by gene therapy or drugs, it may be able to slow down or stop neurodegenerative diseases like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease) and multiple sclerosis.