What Causes the Symptoms of FA?

The protein associated with F A, called frataxin, is made by the FXN gene and is required for proper functioning of the energy producing units of cells called mitochondria. When frataxin is deficient in mitochondria, tissues that depend on high energy (ATP) production, such as the nervous and cardiac systems, degenerate over time. Although F A is a systemic disease, brain development and cognitive functioning are preserved.