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A Combined Approach to Treatment: Targeting PAKs in SCA1

Written by Carrie A. Sheeler  Edited by Dr. Marija Cvetanovic Group 1 p21-associated kinases (PAKs) present a new avenue for SCA1 research. Spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) is caused by a specific mutation in the Ataxin1 gene, which causes the protein that’s made from that gene (also called Ataxin1) to Read More…

Blurred lines: how spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 impacts vision

Written by Siddharth Nath Edited by Dr. Ray Truant Spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 (SCA7) is unique amongst the SCAs in that it involves an organ besides the brain – the eye. Rather than problems with movement, the first hint that something may be wrong for SCA7 patients is often a subtle change Read More…

Mitochondrial Dysfunction Found in SCA1 Purkinje Cells

Written by Dr. Terri M Driessen Edited by Dr. David Bushart Mitochondrial dysfunction and loss of mitochondrial DNA is identified in an SCA1 mouse model. Spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) is a neurodegenerative disorder that causes cell death in certain parts of the brain. The brain regions affected play important Read More…

Where Should We Look to Detect SCA3 Pathology and Progression?

Written by Jorge Diogo Da Silva Edited by Dr. Maria do Carmo Costa Potential drug targets and biomarkers of SCA3/MJD revealed Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3), also known as Machado-Joseph disease (MJD), is a debilitating neurodegenerative disease that usually begins in mid-life. The mutation that causes SCA3 leads to the Read More…

Approaching the age of clinical therapy for spinocerebellar ataxia type 1

Written by Dr. Marija Cvetanovic Edited by Dr. Maxime W. Rousseaux New research (published Nov. 2018) reveals promising potential genetic therapy for SCA1. A research team comprised of scientists from academia and industry have tested a new treatment for Spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1), bringing disease-modifying therapy one step closer Read More…

Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 1 is Caused by a Trinucleotide DNA Repeat

Written by Hillary Handler  Edited by Dr. David Bushart How researchers found that SCA1 is caused by an expanded, repetitive DNA sequence – a discovery that has allowed for accurate SCA1 diagnosis and more focused research strategies Before the true genetic basis of Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 1 (SCA1) was discovered, Read More…

A novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of SCA3

Written by Larissa Nitschke Edited by Dr. Gülin Öz Researchers in the Netherlands uncover a new way to treat SCA3 Upon receiving a conclusive diagnosis of Spinocerebellar Ataxia (SCA), hundreds of questions can appear in a patient’s mind: What is Spinocerebellar Ataxia? Why am I affected? How will my symptoms Read More…

ASOs clear toxic protein from cells, reducing ataxia in SCA2 mice

Written by Anna Cook and Dr. Alanna Watt Edited by Dr. Vitaliy V. Bondar Scientists uncover a promising therapeutic avenue to treat spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2). Spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2) is a progressive ataxia caused by a mutation in the ATXN2 gene. This mutation causes a tract of the amino Read More…

DNA Damage Repair: A New SCA Disease Paradigm

Written by Dr. Laura Bowie Edited by Dr. Hayley McLoughlin Researchers use genetics to find new pathways that impact the onset of polyglutamine disease symptoms The cells of the human body are complex little machines, specifically evolved to fulfill certain roles. Brain cells, or neurons, act differently from skin cells, which, in Read More…

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