HD Gene (HTT)

The HD gene, known as the HTT gene, provides instructions for making a protein called huntingtin, which is important for brain cell health. In Huntington's disease, a mutation causes an abnormal repetition of a DNA segment within this gene. This leads to the production of a faulty huntingtin protein that accumulates and damages brain cells, especially in areas controlling movement and coordination. The disorder is inherited, meaning if a parent has the mutation, there's a high chance their child will too. Understanding the HTT gene helps researchers develop treatments to slow or stop the progression of Huntington's disease.