Joana Fernandes, PhD,  —

Researchers have identified a molecular mechanism in stem cells that may delay the onset of aging-related diseases associated with the production of abnormal proteins, according to a study published in the journal Nature Communications. This finding may help design new therapeutic tools to treat diseases characterized by poorly regulated…

Researchers have identified a new mechanism of cell death in Huntington’s disease called “ballooning cell death” (BCD), according to new research from Tokyo Medical and Dental University. The study, “Targeting TEAD/YAP-Transcription-Dependent Necrosis, TRIAD, Ameliorates Huntington’s Disease Pathology,” was published in the journal Human Molecular Genetics. Huntington’s…

Huntington’s disease is caused by excessive repeats of a portion of DNA, called CAG triplets, within the gene that codes for huntingtin (HTT). New research shows how the number of CAG repeats determines the final form and the aggregation profile of the resulting protein. The study, “The Aggregation Free Energy…

Researchers identified a new molecular mechanism related to mutant huntingtin (HTT) — messenger RNA — that may play a role in the development of Huntington’s disease. This finding may help define new therapeutic approaches to tackle the disease. The study, “Targeting CAG Repeat RNAs Reduces Huntington’s Disease Phenotype Independently Of…

Researchers identified several new biomarkers in mice that may help in the early diagnosis of Huntington’s disease in humans, according to a new study. These biomarkers may also be useful to evaluate patients’ responses to potential treatments. The Stanford University School of Medicine study, “Potential Biomarkers To Follow The…

Abnormal energy production may contribute to the progression of Huntington’s disease, according to a new study. The study, entitled “The Phasor-FLIM Fingerprints Reveal Shifts From OXPHOS To Enhanced Glycolysis In Huntington Disease,” was recently published in the journal Scientific Reports. The mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration in Huntington’s disease remain…

Progressive neurological diseases, such as Huntington’s disease, are associated with pathological changes in the retina and the brain. According to Henri Leinonen from the University of Eastern Finland (UEF) and colleagues, such disorders might be detected earlier by using simple and non-invasive eye examination techniques. In the study “Early…

Despite efforts to develop therapies to treat Huntington’s disease (HD), so far no treatment has been shown to effectively stop, slow, or reverse disease progression. Now, an animal study suggests that treating mice with the experimental drug laquinimod can improve some neuropathologic and behavioral features of Huntington’s. The study, titled “Laquinimod…