Mechanisms of cell death in cerebellar disorders

Recent advances in molecular genetic and cellular biology have provided new insights into the mechanisms leading to neuronal dysfunction and cell deat h in the disorders of the cerebellum. Trinucleotide repeat expansions have been identified as an important cause of inherited cerebellar ataxias and m echanisms involved in apoptotic cell death have become centerstage of scien tific interest. In the present article, we review the recent findings in tr inucleotide repeat disorders and address the possible link of glutamate neu rotoxicity, impaired Ca2+ homeostasis and apoptosis.