Learn About CLN3 Disease
CLN3 disease is an inherited disorder that primarily affects the nervous system. After 4 to 6 years of normal development, children with this condition develop vision impairment, intellectual disability, movement problems, speech difficulties, and seizures, which worsen over time.
CLN3 disease is caused by mutations in the CLN3 gene, which provides instructions for making a protein that is found in tissues throughout the body. The CLN3 protein is part of many compartments within cells, including lysosomes, which are cellular compartments that digest and recycle different types of molecules. However, the exact function of the CLN3 protein is unclear. Research has shown that this protein is involved in many cellular processes, but it is uncertain which of them is the primary role of the protein, or if these processes instead represent downstream effects.
CLN3 disease is the most common type of NCL, but its exact prevalence is unknown; more than 400 cases have been described in the scientific literature. Collectively, all forms of NCL affect an estimated 1 in 100,000 individuals worldwide.
This condition is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, which means both copies of the gene in each cell have mutations. The parents of an individual with an autosomal recessive condition each carry one copy of the mutated gene, but they typically do not show signs and symptoms of the condition.
Raymond Wang is a Medical Genetics provider in Orange, California. Dr. Wang is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of CLN3 Disease. His top areas of expertise are Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS), Mucopolysaccharidosis Type 7 (MPS VII, Sly Syndrome), Mucopolysaccharidosis Type 1 (MPS I, Hurler Syndrome), Pompe Disease, and Adenoidectomy.
Angela Schulz practices in Hamburg, Germany. Ms. Schulz is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of CLN3 Disease. Her top areas of expertise are CLN2 Disease, Batten Disease, CLN1 Disease, and CLN5 Disease.
Zhongjian Zhang practices in Xinxiang, China. Zhang is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of CLN3 Disease. Their top areas of expertise are CLN4 Disease, CLN5 Disease, CLN3 Disease, and CLN1 Disease.
Background: CLN3, or Batten disease, is a genetic disorder. This deadly disease leads to decline of brain and nervous system functions. Symptoms of CLN3 typically occur between 4 and 7 years of age. They include changes in how a person sees, thinks, and moves. CLN3 can also cause seizures. No effective treatments for the disease are yet known. There is limited testing of potential therapies. Researchers want ...
Summary: This study aims to assess the natural history of Batten disease (Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis) by obtaining information about the motor, behavioral, and functional capabilities of individuals with Batten disease. This study will also refine and validate the Unified Batten Disease Rating Scale (UBDRS) as a clinical rating instrument for Batten disease.
Published Date: February 16, 2021
Published By: National Institutes of Health