Understanding nerve damage in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3
Official title: Investigating Peripheral Neuropathy in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11381061 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study in people with SCA3 explores how the disease affects the peripheral nerves and what that means for symptoms like numbness or weakness.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 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 | August 1, 2025 |
| Project end | July 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $483,494 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS140063-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11381061 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3 or related peripheral neuropathy symptoms who could contribute human data or participate in future translational steps.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without SCA3 or peripheral neuropathy related to SCA3 may not directly benefit from this study.
What this research studies
Researchers at the University of Michigan will use mouse models of Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3 to study how peripheral nerves deteriorate alongside the brain and spinal cord. They will look at functional changes, tissue structure, and gene activity to identify how specific nerve cells are affected and how demyelination may start peripheral neuropathy. The work aims to connect these findings to how patients experience the disease and to identify potential targets for therapies. Findings could inform future treatments that address both central and peripheral nervous system involvement in SCA3.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal targets for therapies that slow or prevent peripheral nerve damage in SCA3, potentially improving mobility and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical studies in SCA3 mouse models have shown peripheral neuropathy features similar to humans, supporting this approach but human-specific confirmation is still needed.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcloughlin, Hayley S — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Mcloughlin, Hayley S
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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.