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Brain network-based determination of genes that clear mutant huntingtin fibrils

Huntington disease (HD) is caused by a CAG trinucleotide repeat expansion within the huntingtin (HTT) gene which produces a mutant HTT (mHTT) protein. This mHTT protein aggregates within neurons, forming fibrils that interfere with cellular functions and result in neurodegeneration. The spatiotemporal dynamics of HD pathogenesis is a complex interplay between mHTT production, spread, and likely clearance: fibrils spread from cell-to-cell in prion-like and concentration-dependent manners, and initial seeding of fibrils is preferentially seen in certain cell types (striatal medium spiny neurons). Furthermore, evidence from other disorders (Parkinson's) indicate the presence of neuroprotective genes (e.g. GBA) that clear pathogenic proteins. In HD, clearance genes remain an area of active investigation.
Project ongoing See Project & Researchers
Grant type
Capacity building grants
Area of Research
Neurodegeneration
Competition
2026 Huntington Society of Canada - Brain Canada Undergraduate Student Summer Fellowship
Province
Alberta
Start Date
2026