Huntington’s disease (HD) is a progressive brain disorder that damages neurons in the central area and at the base of the brain called the basal ganglia. HD causes deterioration in a person’s physical, mental, and emotional abilities, usually during their prime working years, and currently has no cure. Most people start developing symptoms during adulthood, between the ages of 30 to 50, but HD can also occur in children and young adults (known as juvenile HD or JHD). HD is known as a family disease because every child of a parent with HD has a 50/50 chance of inheriting the faulty gene.
Our Research on HD
Our research on HD focuses on understanding the role that unexpected proteins, called repeat associated non-AUG (RAN) proteins, play in the disease. HD is a disease that has traditionally been thought to be caused by the accumulation of a toxic polyglutamine protein but our work has shown that RAN proteins accumulate in HD patient brains. This has opened up new avenues for better understanding of the disease and for developing new therapies
Get Involved with Research
If you would like information about any of the opportunities listed below, please contact Deborah Morrison.
Now Recruiting
Clinical Trials and Studies
We are currently recruiting for a variety of trials and studies. Click the link below to learn more about our work and to see if you’re eligible.
Ongoing RECRUITING
Banking Study
Patients with neurodegenerative diseases being treated at the Fixel Institute may participate in these ongoing studies. The goal is to collect biospecimens to study in the lab.
ONGOING RECRUITMENT
Work in a Lab
Are you a passionate student or post-doc looking making to an impact on Neurogenetic research at the University of Florida? Candidates are encouraged to contact individual CNG faculty members to inquire about research opportunities in the CNG.
HD researchers at the CNG
Laura P W Ranum