Gene Modification Can Prevent Huntington’s Disease

Posted on January 21, 2010 by Jeffrey Newman

Researchers have founf a molecular switch that can prevent the development of fatal Huntington’s in mice. Huntington’s is a neurological condition caused by a mutation of a gene that codes a brain protein known as huntingtin. It is characterized by uncontrolled jerking movements and stuttering. According to a study published in NEURON, a chemical modification of genes can prevent the development of the disease by blocking the mutation of the responsible protein. The subtle modification of only two amino acids can prevent the onset of the disease. Scientists are now examining whether the same process will work in humans