Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) is a potent trophic factor with therapeutic potential for several motor-neuron diseases, including SMA (Bosch-Marce et al, 2011; Dodge et al, 2010; Palazzolo et al, 2009; Shababi et al, 2011). The gene discussed is IGF1; the disease is proximal spinal muscular atrophy.