Friedreich ataxia: an overview. Issue 1 (1st January 2000)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Delatycki, Martin B; Williamson, Robert; Forrest, Susan M
• Is Part Of: Journal of medical genetics. Volume 37:Issue 1(2000)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 8
• Publication Date: 2000-01-01
• Subjects: Friedreich ataxia -- FRDAgene; Medical genetics -- Periodicals; 616.042
• DOI: 10.1136/jmg.37.1.1
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1468-6244

Abstract

Abstract : Friedreich ataxia, an autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disease, is the most common of the inherited ataxias. The recent discovery of the gene that is mutated in this condition, FRDA, has led to rapid advances in the understanding of the pathogenesis of Friedreich ataxia. About 98% of mutant alleles have an expansion of a GAA trinucleotide repeat in intron 1 of the gene. This leads to reduced levels of the protein, frataxin. There is mounting evidence to suggest that Friedreich ataxia is the result of accumulation of iron in mitochondria leading to excess production of free radicals, which then results in cellular damage and death. Currently there is no known treatment that alters the natural course of the disease. The discovery of the FRDA gene and its possible function has raised hope that rational therapeutic strategies will be developed.