AIM 2012 Conference

描述（由申请人提供）：共济失调是一种致残且经常致命的神经系统疾病，由广泛的获得性和遗传性损伤引起。第四届共济失调研究者会议（AIM2012）将汇集国际科学研究者名单，以解决共济失调的多学科性质，更好地定义共济失调的致病基础，并探索治疗途径，这在很大程度上是一种无法治愈的疾病。会议将集中讨论最新的科学进展和新兴的治疗转化方法，旨在实现以下五个目标：1)加强与共济失调研究相关的信息的公开交流；2)促进全球研究者之间的合作研究；3)提高我们对人类共济失调的认识；4)建立国际协议，共同调查和存储与共济失调及其治疗相关的数据；5)为初级调查人员提供展示他们工作的机会，与

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Ataxia, a disabling and frequently fatal neurological disorder, is caused by a wide range of acquired and genetic insults. The Fourth Ataxia Investigators' Meeting, AIM2012, will assemble an international roster of scientific investigators to address the multi-disciplinary nature of ataxia, to define better the pathogenic basis of ataxia and to explore routes to therapy for what is largely an untreatable disease. The conference will focus on the most recent scientific advances and emerging translational approaches toward therapy, with the objective of achieving the following five goals: 1) Enhance the open exchange of information related to ataxia research; 2) Stimulate collaborative research between investigators worldwide; 3) Improve our understanding of human ataxic disorders; 4) Establish international protocols for the common investigation and storage of data related to ataxia and its treatment; 5) Provide junior investigators with an opportunity to present their work, interact with more established scientists in the field, and have an opportunity to interact with patients and support groups so that they can see the clinical impact and importance of their work. AIM2012 will represent a critical mechanism to facilitate collaboration and discussion on ataxia research and therapeutic approaches, which is of particularly great importance now that the field is entering the phase of meaningful, multi-center clinical trials both in the United States and Europe. The location of the AIM2012 meeting in San Antonio, Texas, dovetailing with the annual meeting of the largest ataxia foundation in the country, will maximize the impact of this meeting for both scientists and patients alike. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: The AIM2012 Fourth Ataxia Investigators' Meeting (AIM2012) will focus on the most recent advances in ataxia research and therapeutic approaches for ataxic disorders. Ataxia, which is defined as the loss of motor control, can affect all aspects of human movement gait, dexterity, speech, swallowing, and eye movements, and afflicts approximately 1 in every 2,000 individuals worldwide. Emerging genetic understanding of ataxias has recently led investigators to envision common pathogenic mechanisms and possible shared therapeutic approaches. These new concepts in disease targets and therapeutic strategy demand increased communication and collaboration among scientists and clinicians so that therapies can be developed, which is a primary goal of the 4th Ataxia Investigators' Meeting. This meeting will also provide a forum for recruiting new investigators to this field of research, which is a critically important element for achieving the rapid success that appears increasingly possible for treating these diseases.