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.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 6 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 1400 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | National Ataxia Foundation Academic / other |
| Locations | 17 sites (Los Angeles, California and 16 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 2010 |
| Main results expected | December 2030 |
| Study ends | December 2030 |
| Registry record updated | August 3, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT01060371 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
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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
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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
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Interposed Nucleus aDBS for Ataxia in SCA6
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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.
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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.
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.