Huntington’s Disease (HD): A Quick Overview

• Definition: Inherited disorder causing gradual breakdown and death of neurons in specific brain regions.
• Affected Areas: Targets brain regions controlling voluntary movement, thinking, and memory.

Genetic Basis: HTT Gene Mutation

• Key Gene: HTT gene carries a mutation in Huntington’s patients.
• Protein Involved: Mutated HTT gene encodes abnormal huntingtin (Htt) protein.

Fruit Fly Study Insights

• Model Organism: Fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) genetically modified for study.
• Human Mutation Representation: Engineered flies expressed mutated human HTT gene polyglutamine tract in their nervous system.

Yod1 Gene Discovery

• Identified Gene: Yod1 gene found crucial in the study.
• Therapeutic Potential: Overexpression of Yod1 gene in flies removed disease-like effects.

Potential Therapeutic Avenue

• Implication: Yod1 gene identified as a potential target for therapeutic intervention in humans.
• Hope for Treatment: Opens avenues for developing interventions to counteract Huntington's disease effects.