Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an inherited, progressive neuromuscular disease that can cause muscle atrophy. SMA begins with a mutation in the survival of motor neuron-1 (SMN1) gene, which leads to a deficiency of SMN protein. This protein is found throughout the body and is essential to the function of nerves that control muscles as well as other tissues in the body. Learn more about the science behind SMA and how it impacts the body at www.gene.com/spinal-muscular-...