New Therapeutic Strategy Could Target Toxic Protein In Most Patients With Huntington's Disease, Howard Hughes Medical Institute Study

Howard Hughes -- Howard Hughes Medical Institute researchers have designed tiny RNA molecules that shut off the gene that causes Huntington’s disease without damaging that gene’s healthy counterpart, which maintains the health and vitality of neurons. Laboratory studies suggest that a single small interfering RNA could reduce production of the damaging Huntingtin protein in nearly half of people with the disease. Another 25 percent of patients might benefit from one of a set of four additional small interfering RNAs.