Pathological role of dynorphins is emphasized by the identification of PDYN missense mutations that cause profound neurodegeneration in the human brain underlying the SCA23 (spinocerebellar ataxia type 23), a very rare dominantly inherited neurodegenerative disorder.27, 33 Most PDYN mutations are located in the Big Dyn domain, demonstrating its critical role in neurodegeneration. The gene discussed is PDYN; the disease is spinocerebellar ataxia type 23.