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The impact of molecular biology on clinical neurology
W Mak, SL Ho
Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, The University of
Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
Advances in molecular biology have increased our
understanding of both inherited and sporadic forms of neurological
disease. In this review, the impact of these advances is discussed
in relation to specific neurological conditions. These include the
hereditary neuropathies and ataxias, Huntington's disease, and the
muscular dystrophies, as well as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's
disease, and motor neuron disease. Genetic channelopathies, such
as familial hemiplegic migraine, are also described. Although knowledge
in this area overall is still relatively scant, current advances
in molecular biology have helped in the reclassification of some
neurological disorders, thereby providing a further step towards
the development of rational therapies to treat these conditions.
Hong Kong Med J 2001;7:40-9
Key words: Channelopathies; Genetic disorders, mutations;
Neurological disease
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