In ARSACS, the cerebellum, critical for coordination and balance, is one of the most affected brain regions. Within the cerebellum, communication between Purkinje cells and the cerebellar nuclei, which helps integrate signals and execute coordinated movements, begins to break down early in the disease. Around the same time, inflammation appear in the cerebellar nuclei, suggesting that the support cells, called glial cells, become unusually active and may contribute to this disruption. Our research investigates whether this early inflammation and breakdown in communication contributes to later Purkinje cell death. We aim to understand how these connections deteriorate and test if preventing this process can protect Purkinje cells and preserve motor coordination.
Financement : 100 000$
Durée: Un an
Dre Alanna Watt
Département de Biologie
Bellini Life Sciences Building, Room 265
3649 Sir William Osler
Montréal, QC H3G OB1
Coordonnées: alanna.watt@mcgill.ca