7/03/2009 PERMALINK
Gene's novel role may provide key to treating neurodegenerative diseases Scientists at Singapore's Bioprocessing Technology Institute (BTI) have discovered that the gene, "Fas-apoptosis inhibitory molecule" (FAIM) triggers a mechanism that ultimately impedes an important pathway to apoptosis (programmed cell death), which is mediated by a key protein called Fas. According to Drs. Huo and Xu, there is also significant evidence that FAIM prevents neuron death and promotes neural outgrowth, making it a potential therapeutic target for reversing the effects of neurodegenerative diseases.