A de novo missense mutation of the FUS gene in a true sporadic ALS case

Mutations in the Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) transactive response (TAR)-DNA binding protein (TARDBP) and fused in sarcoma (FUS) genes account for approximately 1 third of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) cases. Mutations in these genes have been found in 1% to 2% of apparently sporadic cases. We present the first case of an AI,S patient carrying a de novo missense mutation of the FUS gene (c.1561C>T, p.R521C). This report highlights the importance of screening ALS patients, both familial and sporadic, for FUS mutations and also suggests that de novo Imitations is a relevant mechanism underlying sporadic neurodegenerative disease. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.