Astrocyte problems in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 1
Official title: Astrocyte dysfunction in Spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1)
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-11346022 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how supporting brain cells called astrocytes contribute to Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 1 and how fixing them might help people with the disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $454,999 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS134916-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11346022 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 1 or at risk due to family history who might benefit from future astrocyte-focused therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without SCA1 or those not suitable for astrocyte-targeted approaches may not benefit.
What this research studies
SCA1 is a hereditary brain disorder that causes progressive movement problems and is linked to changes in cerebellar astrocytes. This project looks at how mutant ATXN1 in astrocytes affects their function and communication with neurons. Using advanced molecular methods, the team will map the changes in astrocytes and test how these changes relate to behavior and disease progression in SCA1. The goal is to identify new targets in astrocytes that could be leveraged to slow or alter the disease course in patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to new astrocyte-related strategies to slow motor decline in SCA1.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research suggests astrocyte involvement in SCA1 pathology, making this a plausible and promising direction.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cvetanovic, Marija — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Cvetanovic, Marija
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.