Daily Current Affairs : 29-December-2023

Researchers from the University of Szeged in Hungary are making significant strides in the study of Huntington’s disease, utilizing an unexpected subject for their investigation—fruit flies. This research aims to shed light on the complexities of this rare genetic disorder and potentially pave the way for novel insights into its treatment.

Huntington’s Disease: A Rare Genetic Disorder:
  • Huntington’s disease is a rare, inherited disorder that leads to the progressive degeneration of nerve cells in the brain.
  • It significantly impacts functional abilities, causing a range of movement, cognitive, and psychiatric disorders.
Types of Huntington’s Disease:
  1. Adult Onset:
    • Most common form, with symptoms typically starting after age 30.
  2. Early Onset (Juvenile Huntington’s Disease):
    • Affects children and teenagers; extremely rare.
    • Manifests with different symptoms and may progress more rapidly.
Understanding the Cause:
  • Huntington’s disease is caused by a genetic mutation in the HTT gene, responsible for producing the huntingtin protein crucial for nerve cell function.
  • The normal HTT gene has a DNA stretch specifying glutamine repeats (11 to 31).
  • In Huntington’s, this stretch is expanded to 35 or more repeats, leading to increased severity and earlier onset.
Symptoms of Huntington’s Disease:
  • The disease manifests with a variety of signs and symptoms affecting movement, cognition, and mental health.
  • These include mood swings, reasoning difficulties, uncontrollable movements, and challenges in speaking, swallowing, and walking.
Treatment Challenges:
  • While medications are available to manage symptoms, there is currently no cure for Huntington’s disease.
  • Treatments focus on symptom relief but cannot prevent the overall decline associated with the condition.
Fruit Fly Research: A Surprising Approach:
  • The University of Szeged’s research on fruit flies provides a unique perspective on studying Huntington’s disease.
  • Fruit flies share certain genetic similarities with humans, making them a valuable model for understanding complex genetic disorders.
Important Points:
  • Huntington’s Disease Overview:
    • Rare, inherited disorder causing progressive nerve cell degeneration in the brain.
    • Impacts movement, cognition, and psychiatric functions.
  • Types of Huntington’s Disease:
    • Adult Onset:
      • Most common form, symptoms typically start after age 30.
    • Early Onset (Juvenile Huntington’s Disease):
      • Affects children and teenagers; extremely rare.
      • Different symptoms, faster progression.
  • Understanding the Cause:
    • Genetic mutation in the HTT gene.
    • Normal gene has 11-31 glutamine repeats; in Huntington’s, it expands to 35 or more, leading to increased severity.
  • Symptoms of Huntington’s Disease:
    • Varied signs affecting movement, cognition, and mental health.
    • Mood swings, reasoning difficulties, uncontrollable movements, challenges in speaking, swallowing, and walking.
  • Treatment Challenges:
    • Medications available for symptom management.
    • No cure; treatments focus on relief but can’t prevent overall decline.
  • Fruit Fly Research: A Unique Approach:
    • Researchers from the University of Szeged studying Huntington’s disease using fruit flies.
    • Fruit flies share genetic similarities with humans, providing a valuable model for understanding genetic disorders.
Why In News

Researchers from the University of Szeged in Hungary have made significant strides in their quest to understand more about Huntington’s disease by studying fruit flies, shedding light on potential breakthroughs in treatment and prevention strategies.

MCQs about Huntington’s Disease through Fruit Fly Research

  1. Researchers from the University of Szeged are studying Huntington’s disease using which unexpected subject?
    A. Mice
    B. Fruit Flies
    C. Zebrafish
    D. Worms
    Correct Answer: B. Fruit Flies
    Explanation: Fruit flies were used due to their genetic similarities with humans, providing insights into genetic disorders.
  2. What is the primary impact of Huntington’s disease on nerve cells?
    A. Proliferation
    B. Regeneration
    C. Progressive degeneration
    D. Stabilization
    Correct Answer: C. Progressive degeneration
    Explanation: Huntington’s disease causes progressive degeneration of nerve cells in the brain, affecting various functions.
  3. At what age does the adult-onset form of Huntington’s disease typically manifest its symptoms?
    A. Before age 10
    B. After age 30
    C. Between ages 15 and 20
    D. During the teenage years
    Correct Answer: B. After age 30
    Explanation: The adult-onset form usually shows symptoms after the age of 30.
  4. What is the primary focus of current treatments for Huntington’s disease?
    A. Complete cure
    B. Prevention of genetic mutations
    C. Symptom relief
    D. Restoration of nerve cell function
    Correct Answer: C. Symptom relief
    Explanation: Current treatments focus on managing symptoms, as there is no complete cure for Huntington’s disease.

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