From ER to Eph Receptors: New Roles for VAP Fragments

Dominantly inherited mutations in an endoplasmic reticulum protein called VAPB have been found in a subset of patients with a rare familial form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In this issue, identify a secreted form of VAPB that binds directly to Eph receptors inducing their activation and signaling, providing fresh insights into ALS pathogenesis, including non-neuronal aspects of this disorder.