Researchers generate human model of Huntington's disease

A consortium of researchers has successfully developed a human model of Huntington's disease.

Using skin cells of affected patients, the team re-created neurons in a petri dish to help scientists better understand the process behind the disabling and fatal affects of Huntington's disease.

It will also be key in testing the effects of drugs on cells that are normally brain-bound.

To confirm that their work was a success, researchers also examined other cell lines and control cells.

It was found that their results using the human model were consistent and reproducible in other laboratories. 

Dr Leslie, senior author of the study, commented: "Our discovery will enable us for the first time to test therapies on human Huntington’s disease neurons.

"This has been a remarkable time in HD research, with the advent of stem cell technologies that have allowed these scientific advancements."

The development follows the discovery that the compound Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ) acts as an antioxidant in patients with Huntington's disease.

Find out how Barchester works to create safe and understanding environments for those living with Huntington's Disease.