Understanding Brain Changes in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 1
Molecular Studies of Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 1
This project aims to understand why diseases like Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 1 and Alzheimer's disease first affect specific parts of the brain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11123147 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many brain diseases, including Huntington's, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Spinocerebellar Ataxia, involve harmful protein buildup. While these proteins are found throughout the body, each disease typically starts damaging one specific brain area before spreading. We are exploring why certain brain regions are more vulnerable, using Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 1 (SCA1) as a model. Our work with SCA1 helps us learn how the disease progresses from affecting coordination to impacting memory, similar to what happens in Alzheimer's disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with neurodegenerative conditions such as Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 1, Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, or Parkinson's disease may find this fundamental research relevant to their condition.
Not a fit: Patients without neurodegenerative conditions or those with conditions not related to protein accumulation in the brain would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: This work could lead to new treatments that protect specific brain regions from damage in diseases like SCA1 and Alzheimer's, potentially slowing disease progression.
How similar studies have performed: While many groups are exploring ways to reduce harmful protein levels in these diseases, the specific focus on understanding regional brain vulnerability is a less explored but crucial area.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- Baylor College of Medicine — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zoghbi, Huda Y — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Zoghbi, Huda Y
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 below.