Researchers have also found that HD is associated with increased copper levels in the brain. Copper levels appear to be higher in the striatum of HD brain tissue. Additionally, studies with transgenic mice found elevated copper levels. In one study, 12 month old R6/2 mice had copper levels increased 26% in the striatum and 51% in the cortex.
Copper has been shown to interact chemically with both the normal and altered huntingtin protein. Copper may contribute to HD pathogenesis by promoting the formation of huntingtin aggregates. To learn more about the role of huntingtin aggregates in HD, click here. Additionally, copper could play a role in HD pathogenesis by changing the conformation of the altered huntingtin protein.
Last Modified: 05/22/2009
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