Different studies have shown that mutant SOD1 causes motor neuron degeneration by a toxic gain of function, but the mechanism is not clear.
Genetic characterization of the legs at odd angles angles locus, a new mutation causing motor neuron degeneration in a gene dose dependent manner.
A single motor neuron that initially stimulated 1,000 muscle cells might eventually innervate 5,000 to 10,000 cells, creating a giant motor unit.
The central factors are related to the status of the motor neuron.
Degenerative diseases of the human motor system studied at Sheffield include motor neuron disease (MND) and hereditary spastic paraplegia.