The current understanding is that the Huntington gene located on 4p16.3, is primarily responsible for causing this neurodegenerative illness. Normally, the DNA encoding exon one of Huntington contains a specific range of CAG trinucleotide repeats, while individuals suffering from Huntington’s disease, have above threshold repeats. (Credit: iStockphoto/Sebastian Kaulitzki)

In addition to genetic studies, clinical studies can be performed, examining cognitive function. However, most neurological diseases consists of overlapping cognitive symptoms which make it difficult to distinguish between diseases. (Credit: 2010 FOX BROADCASTING COMPANY)

Before, different therapeutic approaches only delayed the progression or repaired caused damage of Huntington's disease. There's new insight in developing a cure, with encouraging results. (Credit: Kenneth Edward)

There lies a kyurenine monooxygenase pathway in microglial cells that has identified to be a potential therapeutic target, as 3-hydroxykyurenine (3-HK) is increased in R6/2 mice. This accumulation attributes to the pathophysiology of glial cells in Huntington's disease.