A-T Research Report March 2009
57 research articles have been published since January 2008, specifically investigating Ataxia-Telangiectasia.
Below is a brief summary of the main research topics being investigated currently:
- Pulmonary function in A-T (John Hopkins University, USA)
- Ophthalmic issues in A-T patients (Saudi Arabia)
- L-Carnitine as a prospective pharmacological therapy (Italy)
- L-Carnitine has been shown to have a protective effect on oxidative stress-induced DNA damage in A-T cells suggesting its possible role in future pharmacological applications in A-T therapy
- Steroid-induced improvement of neurological function in A-T (Italy)
- Steroids (betamethasome) given orally for 10 days, and an improvement was observed in speech, finger chase and nose-to-finger tasks.
- ATM gene and A-T review (Greece)
- Mutations on ATM gene (as occur in A-T) lead to a loss of ATM protein which normally recognizes DNA damage and activates DNA repair machinery to minimize genetic damage.
- Neural stems cells as potential therapy for A-T patients (Tel Aviv, Israel)
- Neural stem cells have been shown to be a promising treatment in neurodegenerative diseases. However, the potential for tumors arising from the transplanted stem cells requires more investigation.
- Breast cancer incidence in female A-T carriers (NY, USA)
- A-T carriers are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer later in life, and this risk is augmented by cigarette smoking
- Review on A-T and cancer risk (Brisbane, Australia)
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left to right Dr Exley (A-T Papworth Clinic), Professor Taylor (University of Birmingham) and Professor Gatti (University of Los Angeles) at the Japan Workshop
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