Novel potential Huntington's treatments

Written By : Isra Zaman

Medically Reviewed By : Dr. Kamal Kant Kohli

Published On 2022-08-31 03:30 GMT | Update On 2022-08-31 09:05 GMT

The two populations of glia found in the brain, oligodendrocytes and astrocytes, are dysfunctional in Huntington's disease and may be the primary cause of much of the neuronal pathology observed in the condition, according to research from the University of Rochester Medical Center.

Glia cells play a critical role in maintaining the health of neurons and facilitating the chemical signaling between nerve cells. In Huntington's, glia are unable to perform these functions, leading to a breakdown in communication between neurons and, over time, cell death.

The new study focuses on oligodendrocytes and identifies how the suppression of a specific transcription gene called Tcf7L2 triggers a series of changes that impair the function of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs). These cells constantly resupply the brain with oligodendrocytes, which, in turn, refresh the myelin insulation that helps signals travel in the brain more crisply. In Huntington's, OPCs are not able to meet demand, leading to deficient myelination in the brain, which can be observed in Huntington's patients in the form of white matter atrophy. When the researchers overexpressed Tcf7l2 in mice with the Huntington's disease mutation, their OPCs recovered and restored the myelin that had been lost to the disease.

Ref:

Steve Goldman,A TCF7L2-reponsive suppression of both homeostatic and compensatory remyelination in Huntington disease mice,Cell Reports

Full View

Article Source : Cell Reports

Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.

NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.

Isra Zaman

Isra Zaman is a Life Science graduate from Daulat Ram College, Delhi University, and a postgraduate in Biotechnology from Amity University. She has a flair for writing, and her roles at Medicaldialogues include that of a Sr. content writer and a medical correspondent. Her news pieces cover recent discoveries and updates from the health and medicine sector. She can be reached at editorial@medicaldialogues.in.

Comments Policy

Our comments section is governed by our Comments Policy . By posting comments at Medical Dialogues you automatically agree with our Comments Policy , Terms And Conditions and Privacy Policy .

Novel potential Huntington's treatments

Similar News

Study reveals fat-fueled neurons may unlock new brain disease treatments

Study uncovers link between brain activity, energy metabolism, and blood flow during sleep

Common cholesterol-lowering drugs may reduce risk of developing dementia: Study

Can Fat You Can't See Put You at Risk for Stroke and Heart Attack?

Air Pollution May Slow Infant Brain Development: Study

New Brain Research Uncovers How Music Triggers Movement, Emotion, and Connection

Why Women Face Higher Risk of Alzheimer's and Multiple Sclerosis: Study

Menopause Timing May Influence Dementia Risk: Study Finds