To date, at least 20 ALS causing genes have been identified (http://alsod.iop.kcl.ac.uk/).14-16 Based on the functions of the genes, oxidative stress, axonal transport, vesicular transport, protein aggregation, and RNA metabolism are relevant to ALS pathology.14,17,18 Importantly, various ALS genes potentially have roles in the etiology of several other neurodegenerative diseases.   15  For example, mutations in the ALS gene C9orf72 have been observed in frontotemporal dementia and Parkinson’s disease patients.   15. The gene discussed is C9orf72; the disease is amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.