We discovered that sacsin specifically localizes at the post-synaptic density of the cerebellum, where it controls key proteins involved in synapse organization and trans-synaptic signaling, required for tuning the firing properties of Purkinje cells. The project aims at defining how defects in this pathway can influence Purkinje cell-spine functionality and firing, contributing to the motor coordination defects observed in ARSACS. This study may identify new valuable targets for therapeutic intervention.

Grant : $80,000 Duration: One year Contact: Dr. Francesca Maltecca Dr. Francesca Maltecca Universita Vita-Salute San Raffaele Via Olgettina 60 20132 Milan, Italy email: maltecca.francesca@hsr.it