Reports of similar neurological symptoms and deposits in the cellular bodies of astrocytes within white matter are found throughout medical literature over the course of a decade.
A sixth case is reported by Reinhard Friede, which is determined to be the same condition as those previously recorded. This condition is named after W. Stewart Alexander and is now known as Alexander disease.
A 32-year-old patient is reported to have partial paralysis in one arm, followed by years of deterioration. This is the first reported case of adult-onset Alexander disease.
A classification is proposed that separates the disease into three types based on age of onset. This system is still commonly used today, although updates have been made since its creation.
Messing and Brenner work together to research GFAP in mice. GFAP is identified as a positive gene for Alexander disease.
The first mouse model of Alexander disease is established.
A neonatal form of Alexander disease is introduced, classified as onset within the first month, and noted to be rapidly progressive.
Mutations in the GFAP gene are identified, making Alexander disease the first genetic disorder of primary astrocytes to be identified.
Potential diagnostic criteria through MRI imaging are created after a notable study of patients officially diagnosed through autopsies.
There is a boom in genetic research, with numerous variants being discovered and published.
Research shows that changes within GFAP account for all forms of the disease in over 90% of patients.
The first meeting dedicated to Alexander disease is held in DeKalb, Illinois, 59 years after the first case was reported in 1949.
New studies propose alternative classification systems based on statistical analysis, leaning away from typing by age of onset. These systems consist of a range in the number of classifications, with some having only two types and others having up to nine.
The first fly model of Alexander disease isbestablished.
Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) models are introduced to determine disease phenotypes of astrocytes in Alexander disease.
A demonstration of antisense suppression GFAP as a potential treatment for Alexander disease is run using rodent models.
Ten years following the first Alexander disease conference, a second meeting is held in Madison, Wisconsin.
The first rat model of Alexander disease is established.
Ionis Pharmecuticals, Inc. launches the first human clinical trial for Alexander disease.
An AxD Summit is held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, hosted by Elise’s Corner at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
Protein aggregates that are sometimes found in lesions of the central nervous system. These structures are a hallmark of Alexander disease.
Specialized cells that make up the majority of cells in the central nervous system.
Glial fibrillary acidic protein.
