Huntington's Disease - Mechanism

Mechanism

The Htt protein interacts with over 100 other proteins, and appears to have multiple biological functions. The behavior of mutant huntingtin protein is not completely understood, but it is toxic to certain types of cells, particularly in the brain. Early damage is most evident in the striatum, but as the disease progresses, other areas of the brain are also more conspicuously affected. Early symptoms are attributable to functions of the striatum and its cortical connections - namely control over movement, mood and higher cognitive function.

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