Researchers found two chemical treatments that increased iron storage protein, called mitochondria ferritin, in cells from a Friedreich’s ataxia patient. These results suggest a potential treatment option for protecting against mitochondrial oxidative damage in these patients. The study, “Characterization of human mitochondrial ferritin promoter: identification of transcription factors and…
A cocktail of clinically approved cytokines for other diseases shows promising neuro-protective effects in a Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) humanized mouse model. The study, “Cytokine therapy-mediated neuroprotection in a Friedreich’s ataxia mouse model,” was published in the journal Annals of Neurology. FA is a severe neurological disease that affects the…
Improving metal homeostasis was shown to have therapeutic benefits in a fly model of human Friedreich’s ataxia (FA). The study “Metal Homeostasis Regulators Suppress FRDA Phenotypes in a Drosophila Model of the Disease,” was published in the journal PLOS One. Friedreich’s ataxia is a neurodegenerative disease caused by reduced levels…
Heart tissue from deceased patients with Friedreich’s ataxia was found to have quite low levels of copper, according to a recent study. Its authors suggest that copper supplements may benefit people with FA, although the link between copper levels and cardiomyopathy needs further research. The study, “Abundance and Significance of Iron, Zinc, Copper,…
A study titled “Oligonucleotide-based Therapy in BAC-Mouse Models of SCA14” by researchers at the University of Washington in Seattle was recognized with a Pioneer SCA (spinocerebellar ataxia) Translational Research Award for its potential to develop a future SCA therapy. Spinocerebellar ataxia type 14 (SCA14) is a dominant ataxia that, unlike Friedreich’s ataxia, is not caused…
Metabolic analysis of platelets from patients with Friedreich’s ataxia (FA), using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS), revealed metabolic alterations that may be the focus of future therapeutics, according to a study, “Stable isotopes and LC–MS for monitoring metabolic disturbances in Friedreich’s ataxia platelets,” published in the Bioanalysis journal. FA is a genetic disease caused…
Friedreich’s ataxia associated with DNA damage in microglia cells leads to an increase of PARP-1 protein, which, once inhibited, weakens microglia activation and disease behavior impairments, according to a study, “Frataxin Deficiency Promotes Excess Microglial DNA Damage and Inflammation that Is Rescued by PJ34,” published in the open access journal PLOS One.
A recent study describes a case of ataxia with isolated vitamin E deficiency (AVED) that was initially misdiagnosed as Friedreich’s ataxia, delaying proper treatment. The study was published in the journal Case Reports in Neurological Medicine. AVED is a rare genetic disease characterized by progressive cerebellar ataxia, dorsal column signs, and pyramidal deficits on examination. Clinically,…
In the largest clinical trial to date, researchers observed that treatment of the alpha form of erythropoietin protein did not benefit Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) patients. The study, “Long-Term Effect of Epoetin Alfa on Clinical and Biochemical Markers in Friedreich Ataxia,” was published in the…
Scientists believe that delivery of functional frataxin mRNA via RNA transcript therapy (RTT) can become a potential therapy for Friedreich’s ataxia patients. The study, “Intrathecal delivery of frataxin mRNA encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles to dorsal root ganglia as a potential therapeutic for Friedreich’s ataxia,” was published in the journal Scientific Reports. Friedreich’s…
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