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Huntingtin-lowering strategies for Huntington's disease.

Accepted version
Peer-reviewed

Type

Article

Change log

Authors

Barker, Roger A 
Fujimaki, Motoki 
Rogers, Priya 
Rubinsztein, David C  ORCID logo  https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5002-5263

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Huntington's disease (HD) is an incurable, autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disease caused by an abnormally long polyglutamine tract in the huntingtin protein. Because this mutation causes disease via gain-of-function, lowering huntingtin levels represents a rational therapeutic strategy. AREAS COVERED: We searched MEDLINE, CENTRAL, and other trial databases, and relevant company and HD funding websites for press releases until April 2020 to review strategies for huntingtin lowering, including autophagy and PROTACs, which have been studied in preclinical models. We focussed our analyses on oligonucleotide (ASOs) and miRNA approaches, which have entered or are about to enter clinical trials. EXPERT OPINION: ASO and mRNA approaches for lowering mutant huntingtin protein production and strategies for increasing mutant huntingtin clearance are attractive because they target the cause of disease. However, questions concerning the optimal mode of delivery and associated safety issues remain. It is unclear if the human CNS coverage with intrathecal or intraparenchymal delivery will be sufficient for efficacy. The extent that one must lower mutant huntingtin levels for it to be therapeutic is uncertain and the extent to which CNS lowering of wild-type huntingtin is safe is unclear. Polypharmacy may be an effective approach for ameliorating signs and symptoms and for preventing/delaying onset and progression.

Description

Keywords

Allele specific oligonucleotide, Huntington’s disease, PROTAC, autophagy, huntingtin, miRNA, neurodegeneration, polyglutamine, Animals, Disease Progression, Humans, Huntingtin Protein, Huntington Disease, MicroRNAs, Mutation, Oligonucleotides, Antisense

Journal Title

Expert Opin Investig Drugs

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

1354-3784
1744-7658

Volume Title

29

Publisher

Informa UK Limited

Rights

All rights reserved