Fukada et al. analysed gene expressions in the spinal cord of SOD1 (L126delTT) Tg mice using a cDNA microarray and identified four genes (Crym, Hspb1/Hsp27, CtsH, and Paip1) potentially related to the pathogenesis of familial ALS, including the progression of reactive astrocytes and the inflammatory response of microglial cells. This evidence concerns the gene SOD1 and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.