Huntington’s Disease Protein May Have An Accomplice

Accomplice to HD protein

I think that Mr.Jang-Ho Cha of Massachusetts General Hospital’s Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease in Charlestown is being cautiously optimistic, and rightfully so. Remember that the marker was discovered 23 or so years ago, the gene 13 years ago, the mouse model in the last 10 or so years, then the huntingtin protein itself in the last 6 or so years. Each piece of this puzzle has brought great excitement but no treatment or cure. So I don't think that Mr. Cha isn't supporting research, or trying to keep himself employed; I think he is simply saying we don't know what this means yet so we need to be careful. Wait and see, pray and continue the work for a cure as one never knows what will be the true solution until it is found and tested.

So be excited for this advancement and discovery but also be realistic that it might only be another piece in the complex puzzle of HD.

Get involved with HDSA (if you are not already) as they are the best support, advocates, place for information and the latest research for families; go to: hdsa.org.

Take care.

Rbytusdy of MA @ Jun 09, 2009 01:11:14 AM

HD research

I think it is interesting that Mr.Jang-Ho Cha of Massachusetts General Hospital’s Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease in Charlestown, which appears to me to be part of the HD research establishment should be negative. Is he afraid that if a cure is found he will be out of job? We need to be careful that our donation dollars are spent are real research to find a cure and not just research indefinately to keep scientist employed. I think this is a major breakthrough and needs to be acted on. The HD community should be 100% in support!

Alan Pfeffer of NY @ Jun 08, 2009 21:29:50 PM

YES!

it's a move in the RIGHT direction - a prayer is answered - even if its a small piece of a prayer.

spacejul of CO @ Jun 07, 2009 16:16:38 PM