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Standing up to paraplegia with gene therapy
December 16, 2005Elena Rugarli and colleagues from the National Neurological Institute in Milan have used gene therapy to save sensory and skeletal muscle nerve fibers from degeneration in mice with hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP). This strategy, reported online on December 15 in advance of print publication in the January 2006 issue of the Journal of Clinical Investigation, holds promise for many other disorders characterized by nerve degeneration due to loss of function of a known gene.
Hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP), a neurodegenerative disorder caused by progressive loss of sensory and skeletal muscle nerve fibers (axons), is characterized by weakness, spasticity, and impaired function of the lower limbs. The disorder is often due to mutations in the gene encoding the paraplegin protein. HSP sufferers are ultimately confined to a wheelchair, and currently there is no cure for the disease. In the current study, Rugarli and colleagues have shown that a one-time delivery of normal paraplegin by a viral vector to the spinal motor neurons of mice with HSP, before the onset of symptoms, was able to save axons from degeneration for up to 10 months.
Delivery of this mitochondrial energy-dependent protease improved motor function in the mice and these data show that delivery of an intracellular protein to spinal motor neurons by gene transfer may be useful not only for the treatment of HSP patients but also for those individuals with other forms of peripheral nerve damage of known genetic origin.
Journal of Clinical Investigation
Journal of Clinical Investigation
Paraplegia Current Events and Paraplegia News RSSLittle-known protein found to be key player
Italian and U.S. biologists this week report that a little-understood protein previously implicated in a rare genetic disorder plays an unexpected and critical role in building and maintaining healthy cells.
Medical study shows epidurals and spinal anesthetics are safer than previously reported
The largest ever prospective study into the major complications of epidurals and spinal anaesthetics published in the British Journal of Anaesthesia today (Monday 12 January 2009) concludes that previous studies have over-estimated the risks of severe complications of these procedures.
Motor neuron disease and toxic substances: Possible link?
Motor neuron disease is a rare, devastating illness in which nerve cells that carry brain signals to muscles gradually deteriorate. One form of it, Lou Gehrig's disease or ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), is familiar to the public in the lives of scientist Stephen Hawking and Morrie Schwartz, about whom Mitch Albom's "Tuesdays with Morrie" was written.
Marathon mice elucidate little-known muscle type
Researchers report in the January issue of the journal Cell Metabolism, published by Cell Press, the discovery of a genetic "switch" that drives the formation of a poorly understood type of muscle. Moreover, they found, animals whose muscles were full of the so-called IIX fibers were able to run farther and at higher work loads than normal mice could.
More effective reporting needed on spinal manipulation in children
Few serious harmful events stemming from spinal manipulation in children have been reported compared to the number of manipulations delivered.
Neurons find their place in the developing nervous system with the help of a sticky molecule
The brain, that exquisite network of billions of communicating cells, starts to take form with the genesis of nerve cells. Most newborn nerve cells, also called neurons, must travel from their birthplace to the position they will occupy in the adult brain.
Wheelchair technology & spinal cord injury
The current issue of the Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development (JRRD) is dedicated to spinal cord injury and wheelchair technology.
Nerve cells' power plants caught in a traffic jam
Nerve cells need lots of energy to work properly, and the energy needs to be delivered to the right place at the right time. By inducing a mutation in fruit flies, researchers have figured out that a particular gene governs the movement of cells' energy-producing units, called mitochondria.
Profile of the Aging Kidney: PLoS Biology Press Release
A Global View of Gene Expression in the Aging Kidney
Hopes of a New Treatment Approach for Paralysis
Scientists at the Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg) were recently able to show in experiments with mice that a paralysis can be reversed by blocking programmed cell death. Paralysis in the form of paraplegia and quadriplegia is usually the result of traumatic spinal cord injuries, but can also be caused by tumors. When the spinal cord is cut off, information sent by the brain can no longer be transmitted to the limbs. Biological processes such as programmed cell death, or apoptosis, take place after the actual moment of injury of the nerve cords and lead to further destruction of the damaged tissue and thus to permanent paralysis.
More Paraplegia Current Events and Paraplegia News Articles
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Life on Wheels: The A to Z Guide to Living Fully with Mobility Issues by Gary Karp (Author) There are 1.7 million regular wheelchair users in the United States. Disability awareness and advocacy is extending throughout the world, as people choose to be active and independent. Technology is advancing, attitudes are changing, government regulations have been enacted, and as a result, things that were thought impossible for those in wheelchairs only ten years ago are possible today. Life on Wheels offers wheelchair users a road map to living life to the fullest. It helps them make adjustments sooner and more completely by explaining how to adapt to disability and addressing misconceptions that delay the ability to adapt. Packed with practical advice on a wide range of topics, including modifying the home, choosing a wheelchair, and exploring one’s sexuality, this essential guide... |
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Team Everest: A Himalayan Journey Starring: Gary Guller, Gene Rodgers, Robert Rodgers, Lakpa Sherpa, Nima Dawa Sherpa Directed By: Andy Cockrum |
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NOVA 8805 Drop Arm Shower Transport Chair Commode by NOVA The Nova drop-arm shower transport chair commode includes a padded seat, back and armrests. |
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Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine by American Paraplegia Society Journal designed to increase knowledge about spinal cord impairment and related problems. Presents current clinical and research data related to traumatic and non-traumatic spinal cord injury. Enhances practice skills and techniques of clinicians working with spinal cord patients. |
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Spinal Cord Injury: A Guide for Living (A Johns Hopkins Press Health Book) by Sara Palmer PhD (Author), Kay Harris Kriegsman PhD (Author), Jeffrey B. Palmer MD (Author) Fully updated and revised, the second edition of Spinal Cord Injury is the definitive guide for people with SCI and their families. Combining first-person accounts with up-to-date medical information, the book addresses all aspects of spinal cord injury -- recovery and coping, sex and family matters, transportation and housing, employment and leisure -- and reviews the challenges encountered by people with spinal cord injury throughout their lives. The authors explain how spinal cord injury affects physical functioning and the impact of physical changes on emotions and social life. They offer a holistic approach to recovery that incorporates all aspects of living and emphasizes achieving optimal health, personal fulfillment, and meaningful family and social relationships.... |
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Paraplegia: Webster's Timeline History, 1767 - 2007 by Icon Group International (Author) Webster's bibliographic and event-based timelines are comprehensive in scope, covering virtually all topics, geographic locations and people. They do so from a linguistic point of view, and in the case of this book, the focus is on "Paraplegia," including when used in literature (e.g. all authors that might have Paraplegia in their name). As such, this book represents the largest compilation of timeline events associated with Paraplegia when it is used in proper noun form. Webster's timelines cover bibliographic citations, patented inventions, as well as non-conventional and alternative meanings which capture ambiguities in usage. These furthermore cover all parts of speech (possessive, institutional usage, geographic usage) and contexts, including pop culture, the arts, social sciences... |
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Tetraplegia & Paraplegia: A Guide for Physiotherapists by Ida Bromley MBE FCSP (Author) Practical guide and clinical manual suggesting methods of treatment. Outlines rehabilitation programs from admission to maximum independence. Treatment for children is also addressed. Halftone illustrations. For students and therapists. | |
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Pott's paraplegia (Oxford medical publications) by David Lloyd Griffiths (Author) | |
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Tetraplegia and Paraplegia a Guide for Physiotherapists by Ida Bromley (Author) second edition |
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Basic Research in Paraplegia by French & Porter (Author) |
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