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A Mitochondria-Associated Oxidative Stress Perspective on Huntington's Disease

Ju Zheng1,2,3, Joris Winderickx2, Vanessa Franssens2

  • 1Department of Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.

Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience
|October 5, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Huntington's disease (HD) involves the Huntingtin (HTT) gene. This review explores how oxidative stress contributes to HD pathogenesis and highlights yeast as a model for studying this neurodegenerative disease.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Genetics
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Huntington's disease (HD) is a genetic neurodegenerative disorder caused by mutations in the Huntingtin (HTT) gene.
  • The precise mechanisms of HTT gene defects and HD development are not fully understood.
  • Growing evidence links enhanced oxidative stress to HD pathogenesis in patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of oxidative stress in Huntington's disease pathogenesis.
  • To discuss mediators and mechanisms of mutant HTT-induced oxidative stress.
  • To highlight the utility of *Saccharomyces cerevisiae* in studying HD-related oxidative stress.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on oxidative stress in Huntington's disease.
  • Analysis of studies investigating mutant Huntingtin (HTT) protein effects.
  • Examination of research utilizing *Saccharomyces cerevisiae* as a model organism.

Main Results:

  • Oxidative stress is a significant factor in the development and progression of Huntington's disease.
  • Specific mediators and pathways contribute to mutant HTT-associated oxidative stress.
  • *Saccharomyces cerevisiae* serves as a valuable model for dissecting these mechanisms.

Conclusions:

  • Oxidative stress plays a critical role in Huntington's disease pathology.
  • Understanding mutant HTT-mediated oxidative stress is key to identifying therapeutic targets.
  • Further research using model organisms like yeast can elucidate HD mechanisms and inform treatment strategies.

Keywords:
HuntingtinHuntington’s diseaseneurodegenerationoxidative stressyeast

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