BBDF Blog

October 19, 2015 – Austin, TX – Beyond Batten Disease Foundation (BBDF) has begun funding Susan Cotman, PhD, an Assistant Professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School and Assistant in Neuroscience at the Massachusetts General Hospital. The focus of Dr. Cotman’s study is to determine the cellular location and function of the CLN3 protein. Although the CLN3 gene and associated mutations responsible for juvenile Batten disease were discovered 20 years ago, the primary function of the protein remains elusive. Utilizing recent advances in proteomics and biochemistry along with new antibodies and cell models developed by BBDF, Dr. Cotman hopes to better understand the CLN3 protein.

The successful completion of this project will substantially accelerate juvenile Batten disease research because key reagents and information for the study of CLN3 function and dysfunction will be established. Dr. Cotman’s work will increase our understanding of CLN3, a critical step in the path towards the creation of rational, targeted therapies.

ABOUT BEYOND BATTEN DISEASE FOUNDATION

Beyond Batten Disease Foundation (BBDF) is the world’s largest organization dedicated to funding research for a treatment or cure for juvenile (CLN3) Batten disease. Since its inception in 2008, BBDF has applied over $15.5 million towards juvenile Batten disease research by direct donations, leveraging donor-funded successes, and forming strategic partnerships. BBDF is spearheading a unique, cohesive strategy, incorporating independent scientific resources and collaboration with related organizations to drive research in juvenile Batten Disease. For more information, visit www.beyondbatten.org

Austin, TX – July 15, 2015 – Beyond Batten Disease Foundation (BBDF) is pleased to announce Craig Benson’s appointment to the Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute (NRI) International Advisory Board. Consistent with BBDF’s strategy and goals to connect our research with top-ranked institutions, Craig is eager to join the NRI in its mission.

The NRI at Texas Children’s Hospital aims to reduce the temporal and conceptual gap between initial gene discovery and clinical applications by providing the context, core services, and community to support interdisciplinary collaborations between physicians, scientists, and patients. Designed to advance the understanding of neurological disorders, such as Batten disease, through basic and translational research and ultimately mitigate the impact of these devastating disorders on human life, the NRI has been integral in BBDF’s success.

Austin, Texas – June 9, 2015 – Beyond Batten Disease Foundation (BBDF) announces groundbreaking research published in Nature Cell Biology. The lysosome biology research is leading the way to a cure for juvenile Batten Disease.

“We think this research is our strongest candidate for therapeutic development for juvenile Batten Disease and understanding lysosome biology is the way to find a cure for this devastating disease,” said Danielle M. Kerkovich, PhD, BBDF Principal Scientist.