Huntington’s Disease

Context (TH): A paper published by researchers from the University of Szeged has made strides in understanding Huntington’s Disease using fruit flies.
It is a rare, progressive genetic disorder that causes progressive breakdown of brain’s nerve cells.
It is caused by a mutation in the HTT gene which is involved in the production of a protein called huntingtin which provides instructions for making the protein.
Mutated genes provide faulty instructions leading to the production of abnormal huntingtin proteins and the formation of clumps.
These clumps disrupt the normal functioning of the brain cells, which eventually leads to the death of neurons in the brain, resulting in Huntington’s disease.
The symptoms often appear when a person is in their 30s or 40s.
It causes uncontrolled movements, impaired coordination of balance and movement, a decline in cognitive abilities, difficulty in concentrating and memory lapses, mood swings, and personality changes.
Treatment: No cure exists, but drugs and physiotherapy can help manage some symptoms.

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