A new method will help to cure Huntington's disease

Scientists from Karolinska Institute and the University of Southern Denmark have created a short DNA fragments (oligonucleotides), which can bind to HTT gene. Mutation in this gene causes Huntington's disease. Oligonucleotides prevent production of protein damaging nerve cells, Medical Xpress reports.

Huntington's disease is a hereditary neurodegenerative disease. Protein and messenger RNA (mRNA), produced due to HTT mutation, destroy nerve cells in the brain. The current treatment methods allow to alleviate the symptoms of disease, but do not stop the progression.

The researchers claim that the new method will change everything. By binding and "turning off" the mRNA, oligonucleotides prevent the formation of harmful protein. Experts have already successfully tested the method on the cell lines of patients with Huntington's disease. Thanks to the new method, the levels of mRNA and dangerous protein have been decreased. Now experts are planning to conduct experiments on mice.

Source: Medical Xpress.