05/22/2026
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A research team is working to uncover the root cause of some severe brain diseases in children who suffer from seizures, breathing problems or progressive muscle weakness.
“Many children are born with minor, unexplained neurologic disorders. Some of them may turn out to have small changes in these genes. Finding that out would be a huge step forward," said Jawdat Al-Bassam, an associate professor of molecular and cellular biology at UC Davis.
In two scientific papers, they have mapped the structure and mechanics of a critical cellular machine that malfunctions in children with rare and debilitating brain diseases.
In addition to enabling new treatments, this discovery could help scientists identify dozens of other genetic diseases in which children experience various neurological problems with no clear explanation. Researchers say these discoveries won’t immediately lead to treatments, but they could offer hope to affected families.
Learn more about the genetic disorder research: https://health.ucdavis.edu/news/headlines/uncovering-the-root-cause-of-some-severe-brain-diseases-in-children/2026/05
Image description: Two people in a lab, wearing white coats and eye protection. One is smiling at the other, while they work on laboratory equipment in front of them.
