[Genomics] Taiwanese Team Identifies Gene Responsible for Cerebellar Atrophy Type 22

[Genomics] Taiwanese Team Identifies Gene Responsible for Cerebellar Atrophy Type 22 (Chinese Version)

Taipei Times (2012/09/14) & CNA – Focus Taiwan (2012/09/12) A Taiwanese medical team said on September 12 that it has made a breakthrough in identifying a gene that causes a degenerative disorder of the nervous system. The findings could lead to new medical treatments for the genetic disease: cerebellar atrophy type 22, the team of researchers from Taipei Veterans General Hospital and National Yang-Ming University said.

The team is now conducting further research on cells and animals with the aim of finding a medical cure for the disease.

Cerebellar atrophy usually causes unsteadiness and lack of coordination in the movements of patients. Walking usually becomes difficult as the disease progresses.

One of the people involved in the study by the Taiwanese researchers is an 82-year-old man who began having trouble walking at the age of 45. He also began losing his ability to speak clearly and would often choke on his drinks.

About 10 of his relatives also have balance problems and have gradually developed other symptoms related to the disease. They had consulted many doctors but could not find the cause of the problem.

After he sought medical attention at Taipei Veterans General Hospital about a decade ago, the man said his condition was brought under control.

The findings of the Taiwanese researchers were published in the Annals of Neurology, July 23.


Further Information:
Taipei Times 2012/09/14
CNA – Focus Taiwan 2012/09/12

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
National Science Council International Cooperation Sci-Tech Newsbrief
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



(編輯記錄)