Hereditary Ataxia: A Focus on Heme Metabolism and Fe-S Cluster Biogenesis

Chiabrando D, Bertino F, Tolosano E.; Int J Mol Sci. 2020 May 26;21(11):3760. doi: 10.3390/ijms21113760.

Mutations in genes involved in heme metabolism and Fe-S cluster biogenesis cause different forms of ataxia, like posterior column ataxia and retinitis pigmentosa (PCARP), Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA) and X-linked sideroblastic anemia with ataxia (XLSA/A). Despite great efforts in the elucidation of the molecular pathogenesis of these disorders several important questions still remain to be addressed. Starting with an overview of the biology of heme metabolism and Fe-S cluster biogenesis, the review discusses recent progress in the understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of PCARP, FRDA and XLSA/A, and highlights future line of research in the field.