First SPF Research Grants are awarded!
Press Release
The
Spastic Paraplegia Foundation is dedicated to advancing
research and ultimately finding the cures for two groups
of closely related upper motor neuron disorders
termed Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia and Primary Lateral
Sclerosis. The conditions share the common pathologic
feature of degeneration principally of the upper motor neurons.
The impetus for forming the
Foundation was inspired by the accelerating pace of
research. Many HSP genes have been
discovered as well as a gene for PLS. Animal
models for these disorders are underway. These will enable investigators
to uncover the biochemical processes that cause nerve
degeneration and identify therapy targets.
Gene discovery continues to move forward as well as
research to understand the proteins created by known
genes.
Additionally, researchers feel that compounds showing compelling
data for treatment for the motor neuron disease amyotrophic
lateral sclerosis (ALS) may be promising for upper motor
neuron conditions as well. These include Rilutek (the only FDA approved treatment for
ALS), Celebrex, Creatine, Minocycline and antioxidants
Vitamin E, alpha lipoic acid and CoQ10. Please visit
Publications to review
recent HSP and PLS research and Research
at the ALS Association to stay current on ALS research.
An increased focus on our diseases
is timely and critical. Investigators claim there is
overlap, commonality and convergence along the continuum
of motor neuron diseases as well as other neurologic
conditions such as spinal cord injury and Alzheimer's
Disease. Common threads link neurological conditions
affecting millions of Americans.
While much research has been
underway on the motor neuron disorder ALS and other
neurologic conditions, there has been little attention on the
category of upper motor neuron disorders until now. SPF
supports research specifically on upper motor neuron
conditions.
Fostering communication and
collaboration between researchers, improving their
access to data and providing direction to their efforts
will accelerate the pace towards finding the cures. We
are hopeful that findings in SPF disorders will not only
help us, but also lead to breakthroughs for other
conditions.
The SPF will seek to support new
initiatives, take smart risks and make sure research
dollars are spent wisely on pertinent PLS and HSP
research. The Spastic Paraplegia Foundation
is a volunteer driven, publicly supported organization. Make a contribution
to research or discuss ways
your company can become a
partner.
PLS
genes:
HSP genes:
Article
by John K. Fink, M.D.: The Hereditary Spastic
Paraplegias -
Nine Genes and Counting
(two more
genes have been
discovered since that article was published)
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