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Written by Dr. Marija Cvetanovic Edited by Larissa Nitschke Purkinje cells (a type of neuron in the cerebellum) are the most vulnerable cells in many Spinocerebellar Ataxias (SCAs). While animal models of SCA have been very fruitful in understanding the mechanisms of Purkinje cell neurodegeneration, none of these models have Read More…
Written by Eviatar Fields Edited by Dr. Vitaliy Bondar Scientists use Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor to delay motor symptom onset and cell death in a mouse model of Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 1 Spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) is a rare neurodegenerative disease that affects about 2 out of 100,000 individuals. Read More…
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…
