Özge Özkaya, PhD,  —

A subtype of brain cells called astrocytes could be contributing to the death of neurons in neurodegenerative diseases such as Huntington’s disease (HD), according to a new study published in the leading scientific journal Nature. This new finding presented in a report titled “Neurotoxic reactive astrocytes are induced by activated microglia” is important because it provides opportunities for scientists to develop new treatment approaches to treat Huntington’s and other neurodegenerative diseases.

Researchers at the University of Texas identified a potential drug that could be particularly effective in treating Huntington’s disease using a new platform and the microscopic worm Caenorhabditis elegans.

Vaccinex Inc. a clinical-stage biotechnology company recently announced that their drug candidate, VX15 developed for the treatment of Huntington’s disease (HD) received orphan drug designation (ODD) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Monitoring respiratory function in Huntington’s disease (HD) from the middle stage of the disease may help prevent respiratory failure according to research. In addition, regular breathing exercises may improve the function of breathing muscles and cough effectiveness.

NEAT1 (Nuclear Enriched Abundant Transcript 1), a long non-coding RNA molecule, might be protecting neurons in Huntington’s disease (HD) a new study suggests.