Research Priorities

Today our charge is to continue to advance both the laboratory and clinical patient research and to begin exploring new therapies and treatments for the ataxias. The Bob Allison Ataxia Research Center will focus on three strategies to move the research forward:

• Advance Basic Molecular and Cell Biology Research on Hereditary Ataxias
  
  More skilled researchers are needed to add to the successful stable core of talented world-class researchers studying ataxia. Our goal is to raise between $75,000 and $100,000 annually to support a major research project in molecular and cell biology.
  
  
  
• Understand the Disease Process of Ataxia Through Patient-Oriented Research
  
  Patient-oriented research during the past few years has helped researchers to study and measure specific abnormalities through eye movement and balance evaluations. These quantifiable findings have helped guide researchers toward the correct diagnosis and genetic tests. They may also prove helpful in understanding the similarities and differences in sporadic vs. hereditary ataxia.
  
  Today's powerful MRI equipment can study motor function and brain chemistry. This technology will help us develop benchmark indicators that we can use in combination with molecular and cell biology research to explore new treatments and therapies for ataxia patients. Our goal is to raise $150,000 to support one major research project using MRI technology.
  
  
  
• Develop Novel Therapies and Treatments
  
  Seed money from BAARC to conduct exploratory research has proven to be very successful. By asking new questions and exploring innovative methodologies, BAARC was successful in uncovering valuable clues about the origins and progression of various hereditary ataxias.
  
  The University of Minnesota has committed substantial financial resources to the development of new therapies. Stem cell therapy is an example of a new therapy that is now a central focus of new research at the University of Minnesota.
  
  Leaders of the newly established Stem Cell Institute have targeted neuro stem cell research as a critical initiative for the recruitment of new faculty. Our goal is to raise between $75,000 and $100,000 to support the work of at least one neuro stem cell research project to explore the feasibility of applying stem cell therapy to nerve cells.