The Ataxia Community Comes Together in Orlando April 9–11, 2026 for the Annual Ataxia Conference! LEARN MORE
Written by Dr. Vitaliy Bondar Edited by Dr. Hayley McLoughlin New research suggests that mutant ataxin-2 protein overwhelms cells in SCA2, leading to decreased autophagy and clearance of damaged proteins. Many comparisons can be made between cells and human beings. Just like humans, cells can accumulate junk and waste at Read More…
Written by Dr. Ronald Buijsen Edited by Dr. Larissa Nitschke O’Callaghan and colleagues show that novel therapeutic approaches to reduce the disease-causing protein in SCA1 do not increase the risk of developing cancer or Alzheimer’s disease in SCA1 mice. People affected with Spinocerebellar Ataxia type 1 or SCA1 carry an Read More…
Written by Dr. Ambika Tewari Edited by Dr. Sriram Jayabal Targeting phosphatases in the cerebellum can correct miscommunication in multiple models of ataxia. The cerebellum is essential for motor coordination and consists of the coordinated activity of different types of cells. Purkinje cells are one of the most fascinating cell Read More…
Written by Dr. Sriram Jayabal Edited by Dr. Ray Truant A potential new pathway for SCA17: gene therapy that in mice restores a critical protein deficit protects brain cells from death in SCA17. Neurodegenerative ataxias are a group of brain disorders that progressively affect one’s ability to make fine coordinated Read More…
Written by Stephanie Coffin Edited by Dr. Brenda Toscano Ataxin-1 may not be the only protein important in driving neurodegeneration in SCA1 Why does a protein that cause disease only cause toxicity in specific regions of the brain, despite being in all cells of the body? This is the question Read More…
Written by Dr. Ambika Tewari Edited by Dr. Gulin Oz Neurofilament light chain could provide a reliable readout of how far an SCA3 patient’s disease has progressed How often have you heard that the most effective way to treat a disorder is early intervention? In reality, “early” is not possible Read More…
Written by Brenda Toscano Marquez Edited by Marija Cvetanovic Insoluble clumps of mutated ataxin-1 capture essential proteins and trigger the creation of toxic reactive oxygen species. All proteins produced by our cells consist of long chains of amino acids that are coiled and bent into a particular 3D structure. Changes Read More…
Written by Dr. Siddharth Nath Edited by Dr. Sriram Jayabal SCA38 results in a deficiency of an omega-3-fatty acid called docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Scientists from Italy had shown previously that short-term DHA supplementation reduces disease symptoms. Now, new research from the same group finds that this impact continues with long-term Read More…
Written by Dr. Marija Cvetanovic Edited by Dr. Ronald Buijsen Researchers from the University of California show they can “edit” the Frataxin gene in human cells from Friedreich’s Ataxia and transplant them into mice. This lays the groundwork for this method to be tested for safety. Friedreich’s ataxia is a Read More…
Written by Dr Hannah Shorrock Edited by Larissa Nitschke Repeat interruptions in SCA10 influence repeat tract stability and are associated with epileptic seizures Multiple spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) are caused by repeat expansion mutations, but in some cases, these repeat expansions are interrupted. The presence of repeat interruptions can influence disease Read More…
