Bill Nye the Science Guy is speaking at the 2024 Annual Ataxia Conference! Register now. LEARN MORE!
Written By Dr. David Bushart Edited by Celeste Suart The RISCA study will help researchers design smarter, more efficient clinical trials by teaching us about the very early stages of SCA Ataxia research has grown significantly in recent years. Although much work still remains, we are gaining a better understanding Read 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…
A genome is a person’s complete set of DNA which provides the instructions to make and maintain their body’s functions. Throughout the entire genome, there are genetic differences between individuals known as single nucleotide polymorphisms or SNPs (pronounced “snips”). These variations may be unique or may occur in many people. 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…
The human brain contains about 170 billion cells. Half of these are neurons and the other half are lesser known cells called glia. Glial cells include astrocytes, oligodendrocytes and microglia. Astrocytes tile the entire brain and interact closely with neurons. Astrocytes are very important for neuronal function, in many ways 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…
A gene is the basic physical unitof heredity. Every living cell contains genetic information that determines an organism’s development, form, and function. This genetic information is encoded by two macromolecules: DNA and RNA. DNA consists of two strands of phosphate and sugar molecules connected by pairs of nitrogenous bases to Read More…
Autophagy is an important disposal mechanism in our bodies, and it is not as scary as the word sounds. The word autophagy is derived from Greek, with ‘auto’ referring to ‘self’ and ‘phagy’ meaning ‘eating’. Autophagy is important for the growth and development of our cells. It helps to restructure Read More…
Our generous donors help us fund promising Ataxia research and offer support services to people with Ataxia. Your gift today will help us continue to deliver on our mission to improve the lives of persons affected by Ataxia.
Join for FREE today! Become a part of the community that is working together to find a cure. As a member you will receive access to the latest Ataxia news with our e-newsletter and Generations publication.
