Huntington’s disease research news.
In plain language. Written by scientists.
For the global HD community.
Search results for: “somatic expansion”
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New insights into intermediate CAG repeats: Mapping the expansion continuum
A new study uses ultra-sensitive research techniques to map DNA changes across the entire spectrum of CAG repeat lengths, revealing where intermediate repeats fit in the genetic landscape
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Controlling DNA Scanning Machines to Slow Expansion of CAG Repeats
A new study identifies small molecules that target a DNA repair machine, opening a potential path to delay Huntington’s disease onset.
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Stopping C-A-G Repeat Expansion In Its Tracks
A new study shows that lowering MSH3, a key DNA repair protein, with antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) therapy can stop CAG repeat expansions in HD patient-derived brain cells. This could be a promising way to slow symptom onset and progression.
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Two birds, one stone: HTT-lowering drugs also target CAG expansions
In a surprising twist, oral HTT-lowering drugs also slow somatic expansion in the HTT gene. A new study that used cells in a dish for this fortuitous discovery identified the gene PMS1 as a key player in the slowing of CAG expansions.
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Understanding expansions at the single cell level
Scientists have looked at CAG expansions in brains from people with HD to see which cells are affected
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Could halting CAG expansions be a new treatment for HD?
The gene MSH3 is getting a lot of attention in HD research lately. New findings suggest MSH3 lowering could halt CAG repeat expansions, offering a new therapeutic avenue.
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When genes are unstable: targeting somatic instability in HD
CAG repeats expand in some parts of the body and brain as people with HD get older, a phenomenon known as somatic instability. Learn more about how researchers are exploring somatic instability and DNA repair to design therapies for HD.
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April 2025: This Month in Huntington’s Disease Research
HDBuzz has ramped up to match the accelerating pace of Huntington’s disease research. April 2025 brought us insight on somatic expansion, replacing lost brain cells, and clinical trial updates. Read on for the highlight reel from this month!
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Blue skies for Skyhawk: Positive news from Phase 1 trial for SKY-0515
There’s more good news in the forecast in the Huntington’s disease therapeutic space as we receive positive results from Skyhawk Therapeutics about their small molecule SKY-0515 that lowers huntingtin and targets somatic expansion.
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November 2025: This Month in Huntington’s Disease Research
From stem-cell “tooth fairy therapy” to gene therapy roadblocks and new genetic insights, November was big for HD research. Catch all of these stories in our monthly summary!
