October 2023
Neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s are household names, but silent adversaries like Batten disease lurk in the shadows, devastating families yet remaining largely under the radar.
Neurodegenerative diseases are often associated with aging, but Batten disease stands out as a rare genetic disorder that tragically affects children. Those diagnosed, typically healthy at birth, display severe symptoms between ages 3 and 13, resulting in challenges like blindness, seizures, and its eventual fatality.
Dr. Robert Huber, a 2018 Banting Discovery Awardee at Trent University, narrows his research on the CLN5 subtype of Batten. This disease’s complexity arises from cellular waste management issues, leading to cell dysfunction. Huber’s innovative approach uses the cellular slime mold, Dictyostelium discoideum, to investigate the intricacies of the CLN5 protein.
With recent discoveries indicating the CLN5 protein’s presence outside the cell, Dr. Huber collaborates with Dr. Stephane Lefrançois to understand its role in Batten disease. Their collective aim? To find potential treatments and bring hope to countless families affected by this condition.
As Dr. Huber advances in his research, the heartfelt messages from families battling Batten disease highlight the urgency of their work. With the support of the Banting Research Foundation and the broader community, the journey towards understanding and potential treatments continues.
Dive Deeper: For a more detailed exploration of Dr. Huber’s research and Batten disease, read the full article here.
Interested in learning more about what we do at The Banting Research Foundation? Or perhaps you’re interested in supporting the next generation of young Canadian researchers? Feel free to contact max@bantingresearchfoundation.ca to find out more.
