These include PI3K/Akt and Janus kinase (JAK)/STAT, which regulate neuronal survival and responses to oxidative stress, as well as the C-X-C motif chemokine 12 (CXCL12)/C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4)/C-X-C chemokine receptor type 7 (CXCR7) axis, strongly associated with cognitive decline and motor neuron degeneration. The gene discussed is CXCL12; the disease is Motor neuron atrophy.