Polyglutamine diseases

Polyglutamine diseases are a group of genetic disorders caused by the abnormal expansion of a specific DNA segment that encodes the amino acid glutamine within certain proteins. This expansion leads to the production of malfunctioning proteins that form harmful clumps in nerve cells, disrupting their function. Examples include Huntington's disease and certain types of spinocerebellar ataxia. These disorders typically progress over time, affecting movement, cognition, and behavior. They are inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, meaning only one copy of the altered gene can cause the disease. Currently, there is no cure, but research is ongoing to find better treatments.