Beginning to Understand Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia Atlastin.

The article presents information on hereditary spastic paraplegias. Hereditary spastic paraplegias can be categorized as noncomplicated or complicated depending on whether additional neurologic signs, such as amyotrophy, ataxia, optic atrophy, or mental retardation, are present. Certain forms of complicated HSP may also manifest systemic abnormalities, including cataracts, gastroesophageal reflux, or gastrointestinal dysfunction. The continuing discovery of genes associated with HSP is the crucial initial step in developing powerful animal models of disease that should allow better understanding of basic pathophysiologic mechanisms.