Understanding how motor neuron disease affects patients with Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 1
Official title: Investigating Motor Neuron Disease in Spinocerebellar Ataxia, Type1
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-10914282 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how nerve cells that control movement are affected in people with Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 1 (SCA1) to better understand the disease and find new ways to help improve symptoms like muscle weakness and coordination problems.
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 start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $508,761 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS129610-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10914282 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 experience symptoms related to motor neuron dysfunction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of ataxia or neurodegenerative diseases unrelated to motor neuron involvement may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of motor neurons in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 1 (SCA1), a neurodegenerative disease that leads to progressive loss of coordination and muscle function. The study aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms behind motor neuron degeneration and its contribution to severe symptoms such as muscle weakness and respiratory failure. By examining the accumulation of toxic proteins in neurons, the research seeks to identify potential therapeutic targets that could improve patient outcomes. Patients may be involved in assessments that help clarify the relationship between motor neuron dysfunction and disease progression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve muscle function and respiratory health in patients with SCA1.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding motor neuron involvement in other neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights for SCA1.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Orengo, James P — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Orengo, James P
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Investigating how motor neurons contribute to premature death in spinocerebellar ataxia type 1
A study at Baylor College of Medicine is exploring why people with spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 also develop muscle weakness and breathing problems, and how motor neurons are involved.
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Motor neuron causes of weakness and breathing problems in spinocerebellar ataxia type 1
Seeing if damage to motor neurons explains muscle weakness, trouble breathing and early death in people with spinocerebellar ataxia type 1.
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This study looks at how Friedreich ataxia starts and progresses in kids to create better, child-friendly measures for tracking the disease and testing treatments.
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A brain-focused project tests whether blocking FICD, a protein in cells’ ER quality system, can slow or prevent damage in people (via animal and cell studies) who have spinocerebellar ataxia type 3.
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.