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RNA is an important molecule that helps with regulating the function of cells. To fully understand how RNA fits in here, we must first look at the bigger picture: genetics. The central dogma of molecular biology, depicted below, states that DNA is copied (transcribed) into RNA, which is later decoded Read More…
Written by Dr. Ambika Tewari Edited by Dr. Sriram Jayabal New research identifies the cell type in the cerebellum that is vital for a specific form of motor learning Locomotion – the process of moving oneself from one place to another – is highly adaptive. Depending on our current needs, Read More…
Gene therapy is using nucleic acids to treat a genetic disorder. These nucleic acids can be designed in a variety of ways to achieve the same therapeutic outcome. Gene therapy tools can be used to correct a mutant gene by one of three ways: Expressing a healthy copy of a Read More…
Written by Dr. Carolyn J. Adamski Edited by Dr. Judit M Perez Ortiz A research group uncovers a drug target to potentially correct motor phenotypes across several cerebellar ataxias. When someone is diagnosed with spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA), their symptoms may look very similar despite the fact that different genes are causing the Read More…
A biomarker is any biological-based measurement that provides useful information regarding a person’s health. For example, blood test results showing increased glucose levels can be used as a biomarker for diabetes. A blood test showing an increased white blood cell count is a biomarker for infection. There are many sources of Read More…
Written by Dr. Colleen A. Stoyas Edited by Dr. Monica Banez Duke University researchers have found that altered cellular metabolism and mitochondrial dysfunction play a central role in spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 (SCA7), a result that has therapeutic implications for this disease. Spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 (SCA7) is a dominantly-inherited ataxia Read More…
Coordination of smooth and effective movements is essential in daily tasks, such as speaking or walking. The ability to successfully orchestrate these movements is commonly referred to as “motor coordination”. While SCA patients can generally initiate movements with their bodies, their ability to execute these in a smooth and precise Read More…
Written by Dr. Chandrakanth Edamakanti Edited by Dr. David Bushart VEGF nanoparticles offer a new avenue for developing treatments for SCA1 and other neurodegenerative disorders Spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) is a neurogenerative disorder with symptoms that typically begin in the third or fourth decade of life. The disease is Read More…
The cerebellum, often referred to as the “little brain”, is part of the brain that is located behind the cerebrum (forebrain). The cerebellum accounts for about 10% of the brain’s volume. Despite occupying a small volume, the cerebellum contains more than half of the neurons in the brain. Most of Read More…
If you are thinking of a dressed-up mouse walking on a ramp and posing for pictures, then you are thinking wrong! Mouse models – as the name indicates – serve as a “model” for human diseases. Mice, similar to many mammals, can develop diseases. These include cancers, diabetes, and cardiovascular Read More…
