Ataxin-2, a new target in complex genetic diseases

Abstract

The ataxin 2 gene is a target in the pathogenesis of complex diseases, including cardiovascular risk factors and neurodegenerative diseases. ATXN2 gen has VNTR in exon 1, whose expansion exceeding 30 repetitions leads to the development of spinocerebellar ataxia type 2; lower-range repetitions are associated with type 2 diabetes or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. This locus is also linked with metabolic and inflammatory phenotypes. In conclusion, this gene can be used as a clinical marker of metabolic and neurological phenotypes, which is related to its pleiotropic effect.