Ataxin is a type of nuclear protein. The class is called ataxin because mutated forms of these proteins and their corresponding genes were found to cause progressive
ataxia.
Some examples, their coding genes and associated diseases include:[1]: 6
Ataxin 10, coded by ATXN10. It is associated with the pentanucleotide disorder,
SCA10.
Frataxin, follows a similar naming convention and is coded by the FXN gene. GAA repeat expansions in a non-coding region of FXN cause
Friedreich's ataxia when both copies of the gene are affected.
References
^Perlman SL (2016). Evaluation and Management of Ataxic Disorders: An Overview for Physicians. Minneapolis: National Ataxia Foundation.
ISBN978-0-943218-14-4.
LCCN2007923539.