Protein marker detects early Huntington's disease before brain damage
Scientists have identified a blood‑based protein that signals the onset of Huntington’s disease long before motor or cognitive symptoms appear or brain volume loss becomes visible. The discovery, reported by researchers in Australia, could enable earlier diagnosis and intervention for people carrying the disease‑causing gene.
The study examined individuals who carry the Huntington’s gene mutation but are still asymptomatic. Researchers measured levels of a specific protein in the blood and found that elevated concentrations were present well before any clinical signs of the disease. The marker appears to reflect early neuronal injury, offering a window for potential therapeutic strategies.
“Detecting Huntington’s disease at a stage when the brain is still largely intact could change how we approach treatment,” said one of the study’s lead investigators. The findings were published in a peer‑reviewed journal and suggest that routine blood tests could become part of screening for at‑risk individuals.
While further research is needed to confirm the marker’s predictive accuracy and to develop targeted therapies, the study represents a significant step toward earlier detection of this progressive neurodegenerative disorder.
