Spinal and bulbar musclar atrophy (SBMA) is caused by expanded polyglutamine repeats in the androgen receptor, leading to motor neuron degeneration. Gen Sobue and his colleagues describe a molecular cascade whereby mutant androgen receptor upregulates CGRP in neuronal cells, promoting JNK activation and degeneration. The 5-HT1B/1D receptor agonist naratriptan, which is approved for the treatment of migraine, decreases CGRP expression and improves motor performance in a mouse model of SBMA, suggesting a novel therapeutic strategy for SBMA.
- Makoto Minamiyama
- Masahisa Katsuno
- Gen Sobue
