SP-CERN Research

PUBLICATIONS: 

The Spastic Paraplegia - Centers of Excellence Research Network (SP-CERN) is a collaborative research consortium dedicated to advancing the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) and primary lateral sclerosis (PLS). Aims of the consortium are to a) perform natural history studies of HSP subtypes, b) discover and validate biomarkers and clinician- and patient-reported outcome measures, c) uncover HSP's molecular pathophysiology and develop rational therapeutic targets, and d) perform sufficiently powered clinical trials. The current pilot study is aimed at enrolling 100 individuals with hereditary spastic paraplegia type 4 (SPG4) or hereditary spastic paraplegia type 5A (SPG5A).ClinicalTrials.Gov: Spastic Paraplegia – Centers of Excellence Research Network (SP-CERN) (NCT06553976) *

Research on National and International Levels

The initial phase of the SP-CERN aims to establish the center of excellence sites and organize national and international collaboration. The network will establish research infrastructure, will harmonize research protocols with international partners, connect patients and families affected by HSP, and build collaborations with partners in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry. The central infrastructure includes a prospective, longitudinal natural history study, a comprehensive repository of biospecimens and cell lines, and a state-of-the art genomics platform.  Click HERE