Spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease with no available therapies. This proposal will determine therapeutic potential of a brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) to regenerate communication between cells in the brain, prevent neuronal loss, and delay disease onset and progression in SCA1. Completion of this research will provide a foundation for developing preventive and therapeutic interventions for SCA1 and other neurodegenerative diseases.