Susan C. Baker throughout the body. This disease also affects skin, mucous membranes, and the body's lymph nodes. Baker's lab is investigating the possibility of a viral causative agent for the disease. This disease mostly affects children under the age of 5. Causes remain unknown, however it is treatable within days if the symptoms are recognized early enough. If left untreated, it can lead to serious problems for the heart. Baker has also worked closely with coronaviruses, the causative agent of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. These are viruses that affect mostly the upper respiratory and GI tract of humans and are named because
Adult polyglucosan body disease shortage (deficiency) of the glycogen branching enzyme, which leads to the production of abnormal glycogen molecules. These abnormal glycogen molecules, called polyglucosan bodies, accumulate within cells and cause damage. Neurons appear to be particularly vulnerable to the accumulation of polyglucosan bodies in people with this disorder, leading to impaired neuronal function. Some mutations in the "GBE1" gene that cause adult polyglucosan body disease do not result in a shortage of glycogen branching enzyme. In people with these mutations, the activity of this enzyme is normal. How mutations cause the disease in these individuals is unclear. Other people with adult polyglucosan