Huntingtin suppression restores cognitive function in a mouse model of Huntington's disease

AL Southwell, HB Kordasiewicz, D Langbehn… - Science translational …, 2018 - science.org
Science translational medicine, 2018science.org
Huntington's disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder caused by
a mutation in the huntingtin (HTT) protein, resulting in acquisition of toxic functions. Previous
studies have shown that lowering mutant HTT has the potential to be broadly beneficial. We
previously identified HTT single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) tightly linked to the HD
mutation and developed antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) targeting HD-SNPs that
selectively suppress mutant HTT. We tested allele-specific ASOs in a mouse model of HD …
Huntington’s disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder caused by a mutation in the huntingtin (HTT) protein, resulting in acquisition of toxic functions. Previous studies have shown that lowering mutant HTT has the potential to be broadly beneficial. We previously identified HTT single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) tightly linked to the HD mutation and developed antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) targeting HD-SNPs that selectively suppress mutant HTT. We tested allele-specific ASOs in a mouse model of HD. Both early and late treatment reduced cognitive and behavioral impairments in mice. To determine the translational potential of the treatment, we examined the effect of ASO administration on HTT brain expression in nonhuman primates. The treatment induced robust HTT suppression throughout the cortex and limbic system, areas implicated in cognition and psychiatric function. The results suggest that ASOs specifically targeting mutated HTT might have therapeutic effects on HD-mediated cognitive impairments.
AAAS