Chinese scientists may have figured out how to attack the protein created by Huntington’s damaged gene

maxresdefault
Image: JFK Hartwyck Center

Huntington’s disease is caused by a dominant mutation, meaning that anyone who inherits it will develop the disease.

Despite having identified the gene decades ago, we’ve struggled to find a way to use that knowledge to make patients’ lives better. The protein that is produced by the damaged gene is so similar to the normal version that targeting it has proven nearly impossible.

But now, scientists in China have devised a way to specifically get rid of the damaged protein. They’ve identified molecules that can link the damaged form of the protein to a system that cells use to target proteins for digestion and recycling. Tests in mice and flies seem to indicate that this is enough to reverse many of the problems caused by the Huntington’s mutation.

This is a long way off from being an effective treatment, as there have been no clinical tests whatsoever at this point. But that’s probably less important than the fact that people have figured out a way to potentially target it with a small molecule drug that can cross the blood-brain barrier.

Read full, original post: Scientists find a way to target the protein behind Huntington’s disease

{{ reviewsTotal }}{{ options.labels.singularReviewCountLabel }}
{{ reviewsTotal }}{{ options.labels.pluralReviewCountLabel }}
{{ options.labels.newReviewButton }}
{{ userData.canReview.message }}
screenshot at  pm

Are pesticide residues on food something to worry about?

In 1962, Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring drew attention to pesticides and their possible dangers to humans, birds, mammals and the ...
glp menu logo outlined

Newsletter Subscription

* indicates required
Email Lists
glp menu logo outlined

Get news on human & agricultural genetics and biotechnology delivered to your inbox.