However, it should be taken into account that, in case of FALS, genotype-phenotype correlations have been established only for some SOD1 mutations and clear relations between mutations in critical residues and the age of onset or disease severity have not yet been identified (4). Further analyses on this and other families with the

same c.149T>C mutation of the SOD1 gene might help to explain its role in ALS pathogenesis and to evaluate the clinical and functional differences of these FALS phenotypes with those of sporadic ALS. Finally, in our as well #OSI-744 keyword# in other similar cases, beyond the usual clinical management of the affected members, clinicians should be prepared to address also the needs of young subjects of the family who could consider to make genetic testing for this or other SOD1 mutations. Therefore,

a genetic counseling should be planned to discuss the risks, benefits, and limitations of testing. Acknowledgements Inhibitors,research,lifescience,medical The authors thank Dr. Francesca Caso (Scientific Institute and University Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy) for her support in collecting the data of this family, and Prof. Adriano Chiò (University of Turin, Turin, Italy) and Dr. Gabriella Restagno (St. Anna Hospital, Turin, Italy) for their contribution in carrying Inhibitors,research,lifescience,medical out the genetic assessment. The authors report no disclosure of potential conflict of interest.
A workshop dedicated to the advances in basic and clinical

aspects of laminopathies was held in Warsaw, last 29-30th November 2012, organized by Irena Hausmanowa- Petrusewicz. The congress was scheduled as a two days format, the former dedicated to the advances in basic research, the latter to the advances in clinical research Inhibitors,research,lifescience,medical in the field of laminopathies. Lamins (LMNA) are the main proteins of the nuclear lamina considered to be the ancestors of all intermediate filament proteins (1). They form complex protein assemblies with integral proteins of the inner nuclear membrane, Inhibitors,research,lifescience,medical transcriptional regulators, histones and chromatin modifiers. During recent years, interest PDK4 in lamins has greatly increased due to the identification of many distinct heritable human disorders associated with lamin mutations. These disorders, collectively termed laminopathies, range from muscular dystrophies to premature aging. They may affect muscle, fat, bone, nerve and skin tissues. Understanding lamin organization, its roles in nuclear processes and why mutations in lamins affect cell and tissues functions is important for understanding the biology of the nucleus and laminopathic disease mechanisms, as far as for designing future therapies. Effect of nuclear lamina and epigenetics in ageing mechanisms Y. Gruenbaum showed the results obtained with his coworkers D.Z. Bar and M. Davidovich on the regulation of aging, by the C. elegans nuclear lamina.