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Light of Hope
CADASIL Information Platform

The first Chinese-language CADASIL resource hub

Providing accurate information, research tracking, and community support for CADASIL patients and families

About CADASIL

Understanding this hereditary cerebrovascular disease

What is CADASIL?

CADASIL (Cerebral Autosomal Dominant Arteriopathy with Subcortical Infarcts and Leukoencephalopathy) is the most common hereditary cerebral small vessel disease, caused by mutations in the NOTCH3 gene on chromosome 19. It primarily affects the small blood vessels in the brain, leading to recurrent strokes, cognitive decline, and other neurological symptoms.

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Genetics

Autosomal dominant inheritance β€” if one parent carries the mutation, each child has a 50% chance of inheriting it. Over 280 different pathogenic mutations have been identified.

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Symptoms

Migraine with aura (age 20-40), recurrent lacunar strokes (40-50), progressive cognitive impairment, mood disorders (depression, apathy), and gait disturbances.

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Diagnosis

Gold standard: NOTCH3 genetic testing. Supportive: Brain MRI showing temporal pole and external capsule white matter hyperintensities. Skin biopsy for GOM deposits.

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Management

No cure yet, but strict blood pressure control (<130/80), healthy lifestyle, avoiding smoking, and regular MRI monitoring can slow progression significantly.

⚠️ Important Cautions for CADASIL Patients

Avoid:

  • β€’ Triptans/ergotamines for migraine
  • β€’ Anticoagulants (increased bleeding risk)
  • β€’ Thrombolysis (unless large artery occlusion)
  • β€’ Cerebral angiography (stroke risk)

Recommended:

  • β€’ Regular blood pressure monitoring
  • β€’ Mediterranean diet, low sodium
  • β€’ Moderate aerobic exercise
  • β€’ Cognitive rehabilitation training

Research Highlights

Key therapeutic developments in CADASIL

Phase II Complete

HM101 (Adrenomedullin)

NCVC Japan (Dr. Ihara) β€” vascular protective agent. AMCAD Phase II trial completed with good safety profile. Currently the most advanced CADASIL-specific therapy.

In Vitro

Small Molecule NOTCH3 Inhibitors

University of Michigan (Dr. Michael Wang) β€” Disulfiram/Auranofin shown to restore NOTCH3 protein conformation. New small molecule candidates identified in 2026.

In Vitro

PDE5 Inhibitors (NO Pathway)

Zhao X et al. β€” PDE5 inhibitors restore nitric oxide signaling in CADASIL models. Already-approved drugs with potential for repurposing.

Preclinical

ASO Exon Skipping (Gene Therapy)

Karolinska Institute β€” Antisense oligonucleotide approach to silence mutant NOTCH3. Estimated 5-8 years to clinical application.

Global CADASIL Specialists

Leading researchers and clinicians worldwide

πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡Ί Europe

Prof. Hugues Chabriat

Lariboisière Hospital, Paris (CERVCO)

World's largest CADASIL cohort Β· T3CAD trial PI

Prof. Martin Dichgans

LMU Munich, Germany

Cerebral small vessel disease genetics

Prof. Saskia Lesnik Oberstein

Leiden University Medical Center, Netherlands

NOTCH3 genetics & clinical phenotyping

VASCERN (European Reference Network)

Multi-center collaboration across EU

Patient education & clinical guidelines

🌏 Asia-Pacific

Dr. Masafumi Ihara

NCVC, Osaka, Japan

HM101 developer Β· Only dedicated CADASIL drug program globally

Prof. Cheng Xin (程忻)

Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai

Leading CADASIL clinic in China

Prof. Yuan Yun (蒁云)

Peking University First Hospital, Beijing

Pioneer of CADASIL research in China

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ North America

Dr. Michael Wang

University of Michigan

NOTCH3 small molecule inhibitors Β· Disulfiram/Auranofin

Dr. Osama Bhatt Harraz

University of Vermont (UVM)

Piezo1 channel research in CADASIL

NIH/NINDS

National Institutes of Health, Bethesda

CADASIL Disease Discovery Study (Dr. Elisa Ferrante)

🀝 Patient Organizations

cureCADASIL

International patient advocacy organization

curecadasil.org β†’

Light of Hope (εΈŒζœ›δΉ‹ε…‰)

China Β· WeChat patient community (hundreds of members)

First Chinese CADASIL patient group

VASCERN Patient Representatives

European patient network

vascern.eu β†’

Resources

Authoritative sources and organizations

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About Light of Hope

We are a group of CADASIL patient family members in China. We created this platform because we know the fear and helplessness of receiving a rare disease diagnosis with almost no information available in Chinese.

Our WeChat patient community has grown to hundreds of members, making it the largest CADASIL patient group in China. We track research, translate key findings, and support each other.

Contact: 364394057@qq.com