Reduced levels of frataxin, an essential protein of as yet unknown function, are responsible for causing the neurodegenerative pathology Friedreich's ataxia. Independent reports have linked frataxin to iron-sulphur cluster assembly through interactions with the two central components of this machinery: desulphurase Nfs1/IscS and the scaffold protein Isu/IscU. In this study, we use a combination of biophysical methods to define the structural bases of the interaction of CyaY (the bacterial orthologue of frataxin) with the IscS/IscU complex.
Scientific News
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In this section, you will find the most recent FA research publications, many of which are funded by FARA, as well as information on upcoming conferences and symposiums. You can search for articles by date using the archive box in the right hand column. To locate FARA Funded or Supported Research, click the hyperlink in the right hand column. You may also search for specific content using key words or phrases in the search button at the top right of your screen. Please be sure to visit other key research sections of our website for information on FARA's Grant Program and the Treatment Pipeline.
Structural bases for the interaction of frataxin with the central components of iron-sulphur cluster assembly
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Human frataxin is an allosteric switch that activates the Fe-S cluster biosynthetic complex
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Cellular depletion of the human protein frataxin is correlated with the neurodegenerative disease Friedreich's ataxia and results in the inactivation of Fe-S cluster proteins. Most researchers agree that frataxin functions in the biogenesis of Fe-S clusters, but its precise role in this process is unclear. Here we provide in vitro evidence that human frataxin binds to a Nfs1, Isd11, and Isu2 complex to generate the four-component core machinery for Fe-S cluster biosynthesis.
Human frataxin is an allosteric switch that activates the Fe-S cluster biosynthetic complex
Combined Therapy with Idebenone and Deferiprone in Patients with Friedreich's Ataxia
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Iron chelators are a new therapeutical approach for patients with Friedreich's ataxia, on the basis that oxidative cell damage that occurs in these patients is due to the increasing deposits of mitochondrial iron pools. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of the combined therapy of idebenone and low oral doses of deferiprone on the neurological signs and cardiac function parameters.
Combined Therapy with Idebenone and Deferiprone in Patients with Friedreich's Ataxia
Restless Legs and Substantia Nigra Hypoechogenicity are Common Features in Friedreich's Ataxia
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Friedreich's ataxia (FA) is a multisystemic degenerative disease, but the prevalence of restless legs syndrome (RLS) is unknown. FA patients might be particularly susceptible to develop RLS as FA presents with features commonly associated with RLS, e.g. multisystemic network dysfunction, peripheral neuropathy and disturbances in subcellular brain iron homeostasis.
Restless Legs and Substantia Nigra Hypoechogenicity are Common Features in Friedreich's Ataxia
Successful treatment of auditory perceptual disorder in individuals with Friedreich ataxia
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Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) is a neurodegenerative disease affecting motor and sensory systems. This study aimed to investigate the presence and perceptual consequences of auditory neuropathy (AN) in affected individuals and examine the use of personal-FM systems to ameliorate the resulting communication difficulties. Ten individuals with FRDA underwent a battery of auditory function tests and their results were compared with a cohort of matched controls.
Successful treatment of auditory perceptual disorder in individuals with Friedreich ataxia
- Role of transcript and interplay between transcription and replication in triplet-repeat instability in mammalian cells
- Current and emerging treatment options in the management of Friedreich ataxia
- The Friedreich's Ataxia protein frataxin modulates DNA base excision repair in prokaryotes and mammals
- Molecular Details of the Yeast Frataxin-Isu1 Interaction during Mitochondrial Fe-S Cluster Assembly
- Protective effects of transduced PEP-1-Frataxin protein on oxidative stress-induced neuronal cell death