Canavan Disease

Canavan disease is a gene-linked neurological disorder in which the brain degenerates into spongy tissue riddled with microscopic fluid-filled spaces. Canavan disease has been classified as one of a group of genetic disorders known as the leukodystrophies. Recent research has indicated that the cells in the brain responsible for making myelin sheaths, known as oligodendrocytes, cannot properly complete this critical developmental task.  Myelin sheaths are the fatty covering that act as insulators around nerve fibers in the brain, as well as providing nutritional support for nerve cells.  In Canavan disease, many oligodendrocytes do not mature  and instead die, leaving nerve cell projections known as axons vulnerable and unable to properly function.  Canavan disease is caused by mutation in the gene for an enzyme called aspartoacylase, which acts to break down the concentrated brain chemical known as N-acetyl-aspartate.Symptoms of Canavan disease usually appear in the first 3 to 6 months of life and progress rapidly.  Symptoms include lack of motor development, feeding difficulties, abnormal muscle tone (weakness or stiffness), and an abnormally large, poorly controlled head. Paralysis, blindness, or hearing loss may also occur. Children are characteristically quiet and apathetic. Although Canavan disease may occur in any ethnic group, it is more frequent among Ashkenazi Jews from eastern Poland, Lithuania, and western Russia, and among Saudi Arabians. Canavan disease can be identified by a simple prenatal blood test that screens for the missing enzyme or for mutations in the gene that controls aspartoacylase. Both parents must be carriers of the defective gene in order to have an affected child. When both parents are found to carry the Canavan gene mutation, there is a one in four (25 percent) chance with each pregnancy that the child will be affected with Canavan disease.

Treatment

Canavan disease causes progressive brain atrophy. There is no cure, nor is there a standard course of treatment. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive.

Prognosis

The prognosis for Canavan disease is poor. Death usually occurs before age 10, although some children may survive into their teens and twenties.

Research

The gene for Canavan disease has been located. Many laboratories offer prenatal screening for this disorder to populations at risk. Scientists have developed animal models for this disease and are using the models to test potential therapeutic strategies.  Three strategies are currently under investigation:  gene transfer to the brain in order to replace the mutated gene for the enzyme; metabolic therapy to provide a crucial missing metabolite (acetate); and enzyme therapy where the enzyme aspartoacylase is engineered to be able to enter the brain and is injected in the the blood stream.  Encouraging results have been obtained using these strategies.

Organizations

Canavan Foundation, Inc.
Works to educate target population about genetic screening available for Canavan disease and other Jewish genetic diseases, and supports research to find a treatment and cure for Canavan disease.

450 West End Avenue
#6A
New York, NY 10024
info@canavanfoundation.org
http://www.canavanfoundation.org
Tel: New York
Fax: 212-873-7449

Canavan Research Foundation
All volunteer non-profit organization that funds research leading to treatments and or a cure for diseases of the brain. Currently funds research in gene therapy, stem cell therapy, and metabolic approaches. Offers information and sponsors parent support programs.

88 Route 37
New Fairfield, CT 06812
info@canavan.org
http://www.canavan.org
Tel: New Fairfield
Fax: 203-746-3205

Canavan Disease Research
Non-profit organization that funds research, works to raise public awareness, and offers services in support of families affected by Canavan disease.

P.O. Box 5823
Buffalo Grove, IL 60089
info@canavanresearch.org
http://www.canavanresearch.org
Tel: Buffalo Grove

Genetic Alliance
International coalition representing 600 consumer and professional organizations. Supports individuals and families with genetic conditions; educates the public; and advocates for consumer-informed public policies.

4301 Connecticut Avenue, N.W.
Suite 404
Washington, DC 20008-2369
info@geneticalliance.org
http://www.geneticalliance.org
Tel: Washington
Fax: 202-966-8553

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NINDS Disorders is an index of neurological conditions provided by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. This valuable tool offers detailed descriptions, facts on treatment and prognosis, and patient organization contact information for over 500 identified neurological disorders.

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