DNA repair
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Sealing the gap: a case for slower, smarter DNA repair
⏱️ 7 min read | Your body assembles DNA like a team of workers who set and bond a pattern of tiles. A recent study shows that one special assistant might slow somatic CAG expansion and delaying HD onset.
By Dr Chris Kay -
Turning down mismatch repair genes slows Huntington’s repeat growth in human neurons
⏱️ 10 min read | In a human cellular system, scientists dialed back mismatch repair genes to reduce CAG expansion by up to 69%. This work is in its early days, but it shows promise for “anti-expansion” therapies that could be used to delay HD onset.
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Unzipping the Secrets of DNA Repair
The structure of the MutSβ molecular machine gives us more clues to the mechanism of CAG repeat expansion and how we can target it.
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2025 HDBuzz Prize: When the Repair Crew Breaks Down: How Expanded Huntingtin Disrupts DNA Repair
We’re proud to announce Mustafa Mehkary as a 2025 HDBuzz Prize winner! New findings reveal that the huntingtin protein is a key player in the cell’s DNA repair crew. In HD, the crew falls apart leaving DNA damage and alarm bells ringing in its wake.
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The latest volume of HD genetics research reveals new gems but also mysteries
Each person with HD has genetic spelling changes that can impact HD symptoms. Scientists have released the latest in a series of genetic studies examining these spelling changes, shining a light on new paths to develop treatments for HD.
By Dr Chris Kay -
DNA Repair in Huntington’s Disease: Not Up to Par?
Genetic mutations occur everyday in our cells, but the vast majority of them are repaired. New research finds DNA repair is not on PAR in HD cells, causing mutations to build up in people with HD.
By AJ Keefe -
Knockouts for the win: how expanding CAGs drive disease
A recent paper links CAG repeat expansion with widespread RNA changes, especially in brain cells vulnerable to HD. “Knocking out” certain DNA repair genes that go awry in HD can have positive effects on features of HD in mice.
By Dr Leora Fox -
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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Tipping the balance; new insights into HD genetic modifiers
A new study from researchers at Thomas Jefferson University delves into the details of how genetic modifiers of Huntington’s disease work.
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Huntington’s disease clinical trial round up
Catch up on all the latest Huntington's disease clinical trial news in this one stop shop article covering all of the recent developments in making medicines for Huntington's disease