Understanding cognitive decline in Spinocerebellar ataxia type 1
Official title: Etiology of cognitive decline in Spinocerebellar ataxia type 1
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-10878829 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein linked to Spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 affects thinking and memory in the brain, using mice to help us understand the problem better and find new ways to help people with this condition.
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 | September 15, 2020 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $353,323 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS109077-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10878829 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 who are experiencing cognitive decline.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of ataxia or cognitive decline not related to SCA1 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the causes of cognitive decline in patients with Spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1), a neurodegenerative disease. The team is exploring how the abnormal ataxin-1 protein affects brain function, particularly focusing on the cerebellum and its connections to other brain regions. By studying transgenic mice, they aim to identify the specific brain areas involved in cognitive deficits and how these changes progress over time. This research could lead to a better understanding of the disease and potential therapeutic targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights and potential treatments for cognitive decline in SCA1 patients.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on cognitive decline in SCA1 is relatively novel, similar research in other neurodegenerative diseases has shown promising results.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cvetanovic, Marija — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Cvetanovic, Marija
Related research
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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.