Stem cell replacement therapy as a potential treatment for SCA1 disease

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

    Abstract

    Spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder caused by expansion of CAG trinucleotide repeats in the ataxin-1 gene and is characterized by cerebellar ataxia and progressive motor deterioration. The ataxin-1 protein is involved in transcription and RNA processing. SCA1 pathogenesis appears to be related to a gain-of-function effect that is caused by toxic mutant ataxin-1-derived aggregates or cellular dysfunction through an abnormal interaction between mutated and normal proteins. Recent studies have clarified the molecular mechanisms of SCA1 pathogenesis, which provide direction for future treatments. Therapeutic hope has come from observations including the reduction of aggregates and alleviation of the pathogenic phenotype by the application of potent inhibitors and RNA interference. However, no treatment is currently available for SCA1 disease. In this chapter, we discuss the potential of stem cells as a therapeutic approach to SCA1.

    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationAtaxia
    Subtitle of host publicationCauses, Symptoms and Treatment
    PublisherNova Science Publishers, Inc.
    Pages177-188
    Number of pages12
    ISBN (Print)9781619428676
    Publication statusPublished - 2012 Feb

    Keywords

    • Aggregates
    • Cell replacement therapy
    • Polyglutamine
    • SCA1 disease
    • Stem cells

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • General Medicine
    • General Neuroscience

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