Molecular Feedback Loop May Explain Motor Neuron Damage

The RNA-binding protein Mid1 increases levels of the mutated androgen receptor (AR) that drives nerve cell degeneration in spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA), a new study shows. Since Mid1 is expressed mainly in lower motor neurons, the nerve cells mainly affected in SBMA, the study’s researchers proposed that…

Using Ultrasound May Help in SBMA Diagnosis, Study Shows

Men with spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA) were found to have abnormally small nerves in the limbs, especially the arms, as measured by ultrasound, a study showed. These findings support the use of ultrasound as an additional tool to identify SBMA and improve selection for genetic testing, the…

Variant in Androgen Receptor Might Be Useful in Treating SBMA

A naturally occurring form of the androgen receptor protein — which scientists have named AR45 because of its size — may be useful for treating spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA), a rare form of adult-onset spinal muscular atrophy, a new study suggests.

Plant Compound, Berberine, Seen to Clear Protein Clumps That Mark SBMA

Berberine, a plant-derived compound often used in Chinese medicine, is able to clear the toxic protein clumps found in neurodegenerative diseases such as spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and frontotemporal dementia, an early study in motor neurons suggests. The study, “…

Leuprorelin Acetate May Reduce Swallowing Dysfunction in SBMA Patients, Study Finds

Leuprorelin acetate may be a promising therapy to minimize swallowing dysfunction in patients with spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA), a study finds. The study, “Efficacy and safety of leuprorelin acetate for subjects with spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy: pooled analyses of two randomized-controlled trials,” was published in the…