A highly-anticipated scientific paper has landed! This new work challenges current theories in Huntington’s disease research, uncovering how runaway CAG repeats erode cell identity in certain types of brain cells, leading to their death.
Researchers have detected early changes in brain scans and biomarkers in young people with the Huntington’s disease gene, 20 years before symptoms are predicted to appear. These findings could help develop medicines to treat HD earlier in life.
As we begin 2025, we look back on all of the Huntington’s disease research news and progress the field has made in the last 12 months.
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.
May 7 is Brain Donation Awareness Day. Today we highlight the selfless donation that many HD families have made, sending our gratitude, sharing research updates made with those precious brains, and detailing resources for brain donation.
Scientists have looked at CAG expansions in brains from people with HD to see which cells are affected
Many diseases are caused by repetitive DNA sequences. Understanding the regulation of those repetitive sequences may hold the key for unlocking therapeutics for Huntington’s disease. A team from Toronto has just advanced our understanding.
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.
A new study from researchers at Thomas Jefferson University delves into the details of how genetic modifiers of Huntington’s disease work.