A case study has reported an association between an exact genetic mutation and Huntington’s disease prognosis, which may help tailor treatments at early stages of the disease. Huntington’s disease is linked to a mutation in the HTT gene that codes for the huntingtin protein. An accumulation of the…

A new study by researchers at the Salk Institute, in California, sheds light on how a major movement center of the brain called the striatum might work. The striatum is involved in several nervous system diseases including Huntington’s disease where neurons in the region progressively degenerate, leading to severe motor and cognitive problems and…

Edward J. Wild, of the National Hospital for Neurology & Neurosurgery, London, has a unique perspective on Huntington’s disease (HD). He believes the currently incurable neurological condition is ideal for certain treatment, based on the clear and universal cause of the disease. Wild elaborated on his conviction in a recent article…

A research report discusses the use of six versions of a new type of molecule, known as xyloketal B, for the treatment of Huntington’s disease. Scientists tested the six possible drugs in a worm model of Huntington’s disease, Caenorhabditis elegans. Results of the study,  “Xyloketal-derived small molecules show protective effect…

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) researchers have identified a molecule — mitochondrial division inhibitor 1 (Mdivi1) — believed to hold promise as a potential treatment for Huntington’s disease. Mitochondria are specialized organelles in a cell responsible for creating the energy needed by the body to sustain life. An…

New research out of London has identified specific, highly connected brain regions, known as “rich club brain regions” that may be vulnerable in Huntington’s disease and possibly in other diseases in which there is progressive deterioration of brain cells (neurodegenerative diseases). The article, titled “Selective vulnerability of Rich…

Courtagen Life Sciences, Inc., released several new Next Generation Sequencing tests designed to evaluate people with epilepsy and mitochondrial disease. Mitochondrial diseases are inherited or chronic illness. They can occur either at birth or may develop later, and include problems with development and cognition. They may cause poor growth, lack of coordination, weakness, pain and seizures.