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Purkinje cells are important neuronal cells located in the outer layers of the cerebellum. The cerebellum is part of the brain that is primarily known for controlling sense of balance and movement but can also influence learning, memory, and mood. Purkinje cells receive lots of information from other neurons through Read More…
Written by Dr. Sriram Jayabal Edited by Dr. Brenda Toscano-Marquez Scientists uncover SACS, a gene containing the largest exon identified in vertebrates, which leads to ARSACS when mutated. What is your morning routine? Coffee first, right? Now, try to think of all the diverse movements you need to make to Read More…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Written by Dr. Terri M Driessen Edited by Dr. W.M.C. van Roon-Mom Antisense oligonucleotides: a potential treatment for SCA3 that partially rescues SCA3 disease mouse models Identifying new ways to slow down or delay neurodegenerative diseases has been a key research focus in the SCA field. There are many avenues that scientists Read More…
Written by Dr. David D. Bushart Edited by Dr. Carolyn J. Adamski How one research group worked to identify previously unknown causes of SCA13, and what we can learn from their strategy. With so many different causes of cerebellar ataxia, how are doctors able to make an accurate diagnosis? This is Read More…
Written by Siddharth Nath Edited by Dr. Ray Truant Oxidative stress is a hot topic in neurodegenerative disease research. New findings from Dr. Jonathan Magaña’s lab in Mexico show increases in measures of damage from oxygen compounds in SCA7 patients versus healthy individuals. This suggests that this type of chemical stress may Read More…
