Huntington's disease is a neurodegenerative disease that we haven't really discussed in class. It is caused by a defective gene that triggers certain nerve cells in the brain to die and symptoms may include uncontrolled movements, mood swings, cognitive decline, balance problems, and eventually losing the ability to walk, talk or swallow. I found an article that was published in May 2008 discussing the development of the first transgenic monkey model of Huntington's disease, which allows scientists to advance beyond the mouse model in hopes of better understanding the disease, develop more effective therapies, and even introduce using similar models for other genetic dieseases. It's a really enlightening article and illustrates the advances that are presently being achieved in medical technology and neurodegenerative diseases.
Article:
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/news_and_events/press_releases/pressrelease_HD_monkey_model.htm
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What are the links to inflammation in Huntington's DiseasE?
Scientist believe that long-term inflammation contributes to the progression of Huntington's Disease, along with most other neurodegenerative diseases. Minocycline, an antibiotic commonly used to treat acne and some forms of arthritis, has been found to delay disease progression and mortality in mice with Huntington's disease. Minocycline is able to cross the blood-brain barrier and exhibit anti-inflammatory effects.
That is very interesting. It is nice to see a study that is done on something that is so close to humans. I mean I know that mice have their similarities but before I never would have guessed past the fact that they are also mammals!
A transgenic primate model is a huge development. I'm surprised I hadn't heard of this sooner. Do you know if they plan on exploiting this model for future drug developments?
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