Study Identifies New Mode of Action for Ataxia GeneWednesday, Oct 19, 2005
For the first time, researchers have identified how the gene for a hereditary neurodegenerative disease called spinocerebellar
ataxia type 1 (SCA1) disables an important group of neurons in the brain. The findings improve understanding of how SCA1
and related diseases develop and may lead to new ways of treating them.
Investigators Explore Selective Silencing of Disease GenesWednesday, Oct 15, 2003
A new strategy to shut down mutant gene expression in the brain may someday be useful to treat a wide range of hereditary
neurodegenerative diseases, such as Huntington’s, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s diseases.
Fact Sheet Scientists Identify Gene for Spinocerebellar Ataxia 2Thursday, Oct 31, 1996
Scientists have identified the gene altered in one of the most common hereditary ataxias, spinocerebellar ataxia 2 (SCA2).
The discovery allows improved genetic testing and provides new clues about how genetic mutations cause several neurological
disorders, including Huntington's disease. The findings are reported by three different groups in the November issue of Nature
Genetics.
New Type of Trinucleotide Mutation Found in Friedreich's AtaxiaThursday, Mar 7, 1996
Scientists have identified a new type of trinucleotide repeat mutation that leads to Friedreich's ataxia (FA), a rare childhood
neurodegenerative disease. The discovery allows accurate screening for carriers of the disease and may lead to the first effective
treatments.