Developing novel biomarker for Friedreich ataxia heart disease

Friedreich ataxia is a fatal genetic disorder that causes progressive damage to the nervous system, muscle and heart tissue. Heart disease is the leading cause of premature death in Friedreich ataxia patients. Unfortunately, heart disease specific to Friedreich ataxia patients cannot currently be reliably diagnosed and monitored.

The objective of this project is to establish a new blood test to monitor the onset, progression and severity of heart disease in Friedreich’s ataxia patients.