Understanding genetic factors that help some people resist Huntington's disease
Genetic Mechanisms Controlling Resilience to Huntington's Disease
This study is looking at how certain genes might help people with Huntington's disease stay healthier and think better than expected, using animal models to find clues that could lead to new treatments for this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10993617 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the genetic mechanisms that contribute to resilience against Huntington's disease (HD), a serious neurodegenerative disorder. By using animal models, the study aims to identify specific genes and variants that may help individuals maintain better motor and cognitive functions than expected, despite having the genetic predisposition for HD. The research seeks to overcome challenges in studying human resilience by combining insights from animal studies with human genetic data. Ultimately, this could lead to new treatment and prevention strategies for HD and related age-associated neurodegenerative diseases.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with a family history of Huntington's disease or those who are asymptomatic carriers of the gene mutation.
Not a fit: Patients who are already symptomatic or have advanced stages of Huntington's disease may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to breakthroughs in treatments that delay or prevent the onset of Huntington's disease.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in identifying genetic factors related to resilience in other neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Ann Arbor, United States
- University of Michigan at Ann Arbor — Ann Arbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kaczorowski, Catherine Cook — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Kaczorowski, Catherine Cook
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.