What Are the Implications of Genetic Factors on Neuronal Survival?

Genetic factors can have profound effects on neuronal survival. Mutations in genes encoding proteins involved in cellular processes such as DNA repair, mitochondrial function, or protein folding can lead to neuronal dysfunction and death. For example, mutations in the gene encoding superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) are linked to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a disease characterized by the progressive loss of motor neurons.