Does mutant huntingtin protein itself kill nerve cells?
Not directly. As we have seen, one way Htt indirectly leads to nerve cell damage and toxicity is through the formation of protein aggregates and neuronal inclusions. These structures can interfere with several crucial cellular proteins and systems. Researchers have explored a number of hypotheses regarding the mechanisms by which huntingtin aggregates cause cell dysfunction in HD.
Last Modified: 9-13-02
An educational product of HOPES, not to be used in place of medical care. For more information about HOPES, click on the Logo.
To contact HOPES with comments or questions, click here.
