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Impaired DNA repair may contribute to Huntington’s: Study

Unlike its healthy counterpart, the mutated version of the huntingtin protein that drives Huntington’s disease may keep nerve cells from repairing their damaged DNA, causing them to die, a study showed. Specifically, the mutated protein failed to stimulate the production of poly ADP-ribose, known as PAR — a molecule…

Pridopidine now under review in Europe as Huntington’s treatment

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has agreed to review Prilenia Therapeutics’ application seeking approval of pridopidine, an oral therapy candidate for adults with Huntington’s disease, the company announced. The regulatory application is based on safety and efficacy data from pridopidine’s clinical development program, which showed the therapy…

Gut microbes, blood metabolites may be Huntington’s biomarkers

Examining the amounts of certain microbes in the gut and levels of specific metabolites in the blood may help distinguish people with and without Huntington’s disease with 100% accuracy, a study suggested. “This study determined crucial functional gut microbiota and potential biomarkers associated with [Huntington’s development], providing new insights…

Mutant huntingtin protein pokes holes in cells’ nuclear membrane

Clumps of the mutant huntingtin protein, which are the known cause of Huntington’s disease, poke holes in the membrane that surrounds and protects cells’ DNA-filled nucleus, according to preclinical research. These protein aggregates had tiny, protruding fibers that damaged the membrane, which is called the nuclear envelope. Lab-grown cells…

Healthy habits before symptoms show may slow disease progression

A high level of education, low to moderate alcohol intake, not smoking, and controlling one’s weight may slow Huntington’s disease progression among those who’ve yet to have symptoms, a study shows. “Reducing modifiable risk factors for [Huntington’s] is one way to support the presymptomatic population,” which is made up…