LBSL Research

Although LBSL was first discovered in 2004, meaningful studies of the DARS2 gene — which determines LBSL — were not published until 2012. As a result of our efforts, the first comprehensive LBSL research program launched in 2016 at Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore. Today, we support LBSL research around the world.

Select LBSL Publications

While discovered in 2004, LBSL and the DARS2 gene didn’t have much research published until nearly 10 years later. Here just some of the highlights that have been published over the years.

2025

AAV9-DARS2 Gene Therapy Rescues Phenotype in Leukoencephalopathy with Brainstem and Spinal Cord Involvement and Lactate Elevation Patient Cells and Neuronal DARS2 Deficient Mice

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2025

Aminolevulinate/Iron Exposure Elicited Nrf-2-Mediated Cytoprotection in DARS2 Deficient Fibroblasts With Impaired Energy and Antioxidant Metabolisms

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2023

Mutations in DARS2 Result in Global Dysregulation of mRNA Metabolism and Splicing

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2022

Wearable Sensors Detect Impaired Gait and Coordination in LBSL During Remote Assessments

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2021

LBSL: Case Series and DARS2 Variant Analysis in Early Severe Forms With Unexpected Presentations

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2020

The Leukodystrophies HBSL and LBSL - Correlates and Distinctions

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2019

Mitochondrial Aminoacyl-tRNA Synthetase Disorders: An Emerging Group of Developmental Disorders of Myelination


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2014

Leukoencephalopathy with Brainstem and Spinal Cord Involvement and Lactate Elevation: Clinical and Genetic Characterization and Target for Therapy


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2003

A New Leukoencephalopathy with Brainstem and Spinal Cord Involvement and High Lactate

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