Clinical trial Recruiting at 15 sites Observational Ages 6 and up

Natural history and genetic modifiers in spinocerebellar ataxias

Official title: Clinical Research Consortium for the Study of Cerebellar Ataxias (CRC-SCA) for the Natural History Study of and Genetic Modifiers in Spinocerebellar Ataxias (SCA)

Run by National Ataxia Foundation · NCT01060371 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study tests how spinocerebellar ataxias progress over time and whether other genes influence the disease.

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Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Ages6 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment1400 (estimated)
SponsorNational Ataxia Foundation
Academic / other
Locations17 sites (Los Angeles, California and 16 other locations)
StatusRecruiting
StartedApril 2010
Main results expectedDecember 2030
Study endsDecember 2030
Registry record updatedAugust 3, 2026
Trial IDNCT01060371 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Individuals aged 6 or older with genetic confirmation of SCA types 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 10, 27B, or RFC1-ataxia, or those who are part of related cohorts and able to consent.

Probably not a fit

Participants without the targeted SCA types or without potential modifiers identified may not receive direct benefit.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This is a nationwide observational study that follows patients with SCA types 1, 2, 3, 6, 7 (and related forms) to understand disease progression and identify genetic modifiers. Participants provide blood samples for DNA analysis and return for annual visits, with optional cerebrospinal fluid collection. Samples may be stored in a biospecimen repository and shared with researchers, without personal identifiers. The study also uses MRI and various assessments to track symptoms and biomarkers over time.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: Understanding progression and modifiers could lead to better biomarkers and future therapies personalized to genetic profiles.

How similar studies have gone: Previous studies in SCAs have advanced knowledge of progression and biomarkers, but this specific genetic modifier and natural history focus is an expansion on prior work.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Affected individuals aged 6 or above with symptoms and/or signs of ataxia with genetic confirmation of SCA 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 10, 27B, or RFC1-ataxia either in themselves or first degree family member.
* Any individual aged 18 or above with a definite molecular diagnosis of SCA 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 10, 27B, or RFC1-ataxia.
* Former participants of the READISCA (NCT03487367) study.
* Willingness to participate in the study and ability to give informed consent
* For MRI Sub-Study only: Previous READISCA enrollees; individuals aged 18 or above with a genetic confirmation of SCA1, 2, or 3 and a SARA score \<10 at MRI pre-screening; Healthy control participants without neurological condition.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Exclusion of SCA 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 10, 27B, or RFC1-ataxia by previous DNA testing.
* A lack of willingness to participate in the study
* For MRI Sub-study only: Inability to undergo MRI scanning, pregnancy, and other neurological diseases than those of interest.

Where it's running

  • University of California Los Angeles
    Los Angeles, California, United States
    Recruiting
  • University of California San Francisco
    San Francisco, California, United States
    Recruiting
  • University of Florida
    Gainesville, Florida, United States
    Recruiting
  • University of South Florida
    Tampa, Florida, United States
    Recruiting
  • Emory University
    Atlanta, Georgia, United States
    Recruiting
  • Nortwestern University
    Chicago, Illinois, United States
    Recruiting
Show 11 more locations
  • John Hopkins University
    Baltimore, Maryland, United States
    Recruiting
  • Harvard University
    Boston, Massachusetts, United States
    Recruiting
  • University of Michigan
    Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
    Recruiting
  • Columbia University
    New York, New York, United States
    Recruiting
  • University of Pennsylvania
    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
    Recruiting
  • University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
    Dallas, Texas, United States
    Recruiting
  • Houston Methodist
    Houston, Texas, United States
    Recruiting
  • University of Washington
    Seattle, Washington, United States
    Recruiting
  • Le Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal
    Montreal, Quebec, Canada
    Recruiting
  • University of Chicago
    Chicago, Illinois, United States
    Withdrawn
  • University of Minnesota
    Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
    Active not recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Liana Rosenthal, MD, PhD — Johns Hopkins University
  • Study coordinator: Laura P Crespo
  • Email: laura@ataxia.org
  • Phone: 763-553-0085

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

  • Registry for patients with rare diseases

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    Recruiting Sanford Health · Sioux Falls, South Dakota · NCT01793168

  • Testing a new drug VO659 for genetic neurodegenerative diseases

    This study is testing a new drug called VO659 to see if it is safe and can help people with spinocerebellar ataxia types 1 and 3 or Huntington's disease.

    Recruiting at 12 sites Phase 1/2 Vico Therapeutics B. V. · Copenhagen and 13 other locations · NCT05822908

  • Interposed Nucleus aDBS for Ataxia in SCA6

    A small, single-center study will try a cerebellar adaptive deep brain stimulation approach to help adults with Spinocerebellar Ataxia type 6.

    Recruiting University of Florida · Gainesville, Florida · NCT07325487

  • Adaptive deep brain stimulation in the cerebellum for spinocerebellar ataxia type 6

    This will see if an implanted adaptive deep brain stimulator placed in the cerebellum can reduce movement and balance problems in adults with SCA6 who still have symptoms.

    Recruiting University of California, San Francisco · San Francisco, California and 1 other locations · NCT07288437

  • Observing the progression of Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 27B

    This study is trying to understand how Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 27B progresses by looking at different tests and samples from people with the condition and those at risk for it.

    Recruiting at 5 sites University Hospital Tuebingen · Prague and 4 other locations · NCT06472557

  • How age affects germinal center responses after flu and rabies vaccines

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How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.