Bulgarian scientists have discovered a mutated gene that causes a number of atrophies.

Albena Yordanova of the Obstetrics and Gynaecology department in the Sofia Medical University led a team of local and international experts to the scientific breakthrough. The gene is responsible for the production of proteins in the body and the discovery gives hopes for finding a cure for neurological and other illnesses.

The gene also has a function that hasn't been explored until now and it connected to the growth of nerve cells.

The scientists tested families from the northwestern parts of Bulgaria that suffered from nerve atrophy in the legs and arms. They checked their family trees some 200 years backs and found a common relative. That helped them isolate the mutation on the gene.

Families with similar symptoms have been discovered in the US and Belgium.

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