Huntington's Disease Research

Researching Huntington's Disease

Research on Huntington's disease takes place in a number of areas. Among the highest potential avenues in Huntington's research is the prospect of RNA interference. This technique, discovered in the 1990s, allows scientists to "silence" some genes by introducing new RNA (ribonucleic acid) to cells. Researchers are now working to identify and target sequences found on the Huntingtin gene. ^[8]

Other studies are examining the use of embryonic stem cells to replace or repair cells damaged by Huntington's disease. ^[9] A number of medications are also being investigated. For example, an antibiotic called Rapamycin has been shown to reduce levels of the Huntingtin protein that causes the disease.^[10] Some other medications researchers are studying include ACR16, Memantine, Riluzole, Gabapentin, and Lamotrigine. ^[11]

While some research aims at finding a cure, other studies focus on the chance to identify Huntington's disease in patients sooner. A study released in June 2008 showed that scientists may be able to identify the onset of the disease before symptoms appear via Magnetic Resonance Imaging which can be used to spot the degeneration of white matter in the brain, which was recently identified as a possible early sign of the disease.^[12] This ability to identify the onset of Huntington's prior to experiencing symptoms would allow treatment to begin earlier, increasing its ability to slow the disease.