Friedreich ataxia: an update on animal models, frataxin function and therapies.
Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) is an autosomal recessive progressively debilitating degenerative disease that principally affects the nervous system and the heart. Although FRDA is considered a rare disease, is the most common inherited ataxia. It is caused by loss-of-function mutations in the FXN gene, mainly an expanded GAA triplet repeat in the intron 1. The genetic defect results in the reduction of frataxin levels, a protein targeted to the mitochondria. Frataxin deficiency leads to mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative damage and iron accumulation. Studies of the yeast and animal models of the disease have led to propose several different roles for frataxin. Animal models have also been important for dissecting the steps of pathogenesis in FRDA and they are essential for the development of effective therapies. Currently, antioxidant and iron chelation therapies are under evaluation in clinical trials. Gene reactivation, gene therapy and protein replacement strategies for FRDA are promising approaches. This review focuses on the current models developed for FRDA, the different roles proposed for frataxin and the progress of potential treatment strategies for the disease.
Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, CSIC, C/Jaume Roig 11, Valencia, Spain. pilargc@ibv.csic.es
Pilar
P
González-Cabo
José Vicente
JV
Llorens
Francesc
F
Palau
Maria Dolores
MD
Moltó
D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005621:Friedreich Ataxia / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D033862:Iron-Binding Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D000096923:Frataxin
D033862:Iron-Binding Proteins; D000096923:Frataxin