Ataxin 3

Ataxin-3 is a is_associated_with::protein that in humans is encoded by the ATXN3 is_associated_with::gene.

Clinical significance
is_associated_with::Machado-Joseph disease, also known as spinocerebellar ataxia-3, is an is_associated_with::autosomal dominant neurologic disorder. The protein encoded by the ATXN3 gene contains (CAG)n repeats in the coding region, and the expansion of these repeats from the normal 13-36 to 68-79 is the cause of is_associated_with::Machado-Joseph disease. There is an inverse correlation between the age of onset and CAG repeat numbers. Alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been described for this gene.

Interactions
Ataxin 3 has been shown to interact with:
 * is_associated_with::RAD23A,
 * is_associated_with::RAD23B, and
 * VCP.

Model organisms
is_associated_with::Model organisms have been used in the study of ATXN3 function. A conditional is_associated_with::knockout mouse line called Atxn3tm1a(KOMP)Wtsi was generated at the is_associated_with::Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute. Male and female animals underwent a standardized is_associated_with::phenotypic screen to determine the effects of deletion. Additional screens performed: - In-depth immunological phenotyping - in-depth bone and cartilage phenotyping