Understanding and developing treatments for Spinocerebellar Ataxias
Official title: Circuit Modulation in Spinocerebellar Ataxias: Mechanisms and Impact
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11051670 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at Spinocerebellar Ataxias (SCAs) to better understand how they affect coordination and balance, with the hope of finding new treatments that could help improve the lives of people living with these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $233,280 |
| NIH project number | 1K08NS134624-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11051670 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Spinocerebellar Ataxias or those with a family history of these hereditary conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-hereditary forms of ataxia or other unrelated neurological disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on Spinocerebellar Ataxias (SCAs), which are hereditary neurodegenerative disorders that affect coordination, speech, and balance. The principal investigator, Dr. Srinivasan, is developing new therapeutic approaches by studying the underlying mechanisms of these conditions using advanced techniques such as genetic manipulation and electrophysiology in animal models. The project aims to enhance understanding of SCAs and to identify potential treatments that could improve patient outcomes. Patients may benefit from the development of novel therapies that target the specific pathways involved in these disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly improve coordination and balance for patients with Spinocerebellar Ataxias.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in developing therapies for neurodegenerative disorders using similar approaches, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Srinivasan, Sharan Ram — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Srinivasan, Sharan Ram
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.