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Curr Biol
2012[Sep]; 22
(17
): R753-61
PMID22975006
show ga
A number of neurodegenerative diseases principally affect humans as they age and
are characterized by the loss of specific groups of neurons in different brain
regions. Although these disorders are generally sporadic, it is now clear that
many of them have a substantial genetic component. As genes are the raw material
with which evolution works, we might benefit from understanding these genes in an
evolutionary framework. Here, I will discuss how we can understand whether
evolution has shaped genes involved in neurodegeneration and the implications for
practical issues, such as our choice of model systems for studying these
diseases, and more theoretical concerns, such as the level of selection against
these phenotypes.