The ataxin-2 protein is implicated in RNA metabolism by interacting with polyA-binding protein (PABP) as well as transactive response (TAR) DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP43), which also bind to RNA, suggesting an interplay of these proteins within common pathways underlying both SCA2 and ALS. Here, ATXN2 is linked to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.