Spinocerebellar ataxia

  Attention! Changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic!

The laboratory accepts clients and patients in person strictly by prior appointment. To apply for a visit, write to info@genera.lv or call us 26267833! We recommend that you perform the DNA test remotely. More information here.

  Attention!

Changes in service availability!

We are not performing a Spinocerebellar Ataxia DNA test at this time!

Spinocerebellar ataxia

What is Spinocerebellar Ataxia?

Spinocerebellar ataxia (Ataxia in Greek means disorder) is a rare genetic neurological disease that are characterized by degenerative changes in the part of brain which results in worsening of movement and coordination. Spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) usually begins at the age of 18 years.

Most common subtypes of spinocerebellar ataxia:

  • SCA Type 1 (Shut's disease)
  • SCA Type 2
  • SCA Type 3 (Machado-Joseph disease)
  • SCA Type 6

Frequency of occurrence: 2:100000

Heredity: autosomal dominant

Description of the DNA test

Spinocerebellar ataxia DNA test tests for changes in the number of trinucleotide CAG repeats in genes:

  • ATXN1 (SCA type 1) - encodes protein ataxin 1,
  • ATXN2 (SCA type 2) - encodes protein ataxin 2,
  • ATXN3 (SCA type 3) - encodes protein ataxin 3,
  • CACNA1A (SCA type 6) - encodes calcium voltage-gated channel subunit alpha1A.

Interpretation of results

Interpretation of CAG trinucleotide repeats of ATXN1, ATXN2, ATXN3 and CACNA1A genes:

  • Normal allele of the ATXN1 gene: <36 CAG repeats without insertions. <44 CAG repeats with CAT insertion;
  • Normal allele of the ATXN2 gene: <31 CAG repeats with or without insertions;
  • Normal allele of the ATXN3 gene: <40 CAG repeats;
  • CACNA1A gene normal allele: <18 CAG repeats.

What if a DNA test confirms a diagnosis of spinocerebellar ataxia?

In cases when a tested gene mutation is detected in a patient, we recommend to consult a neurologist. The family would also be advised to consult a geneticist to determine the risk of the disease and the status of the mutation carrier, especially for close family members.

  Important!

With a doctor’s referral (for a complete list, see the “Prices”) section) medical DNA tests are paid for by the NHS. Important! The NHS only pays for the test if the referral is issued as part of an NHS-paid visit, and the doctor has a contract with the NHS. Referrals issued during a paid visit will not be valid. Quotas are available.

 

You can also order all offered DNA tests at full price. Remote contactless testing is available for both paid and NHS-referred tests. All medical DNA tests can be performed remotely, except for tests on pregnant women and those where a blood sample must be collected. 

I have a referral and I want to collect and submit sample remotely

Do you have questions about testing opportunities?

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