Specific Genetic Mutation
The chromosome affected is chromosome 4. Mutated forms of the HD gene contain abnormally repeated segments of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) called CAG trinucleotide repeats. These repeated segments result in the synthesis of huntingtin proteins that contain long stretches of molecules of the amino acid glutamine.
Physical Characteristics
Physical characteristics include random jerking or writhing movements, and involuntary movements of the muscles.
Possible Treatment
There is currently no cure or treatment for the disease however choreiform movements may be partially and temporarily suppressed by phenothiazines or other antipsychotic medications.
Interesting Fact
The disease was first described by the American physician George Huntington in 1872.
"Huntington disease". Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica Online.
Encyclopædia Britannica Inc., 2015. Web. 04 Nov. 2015
<http://www.britannica.com/science/Huntington-disease>.
http://www.nist.gov/mml/bmd/srm-041211.cf
Encyclopædia Britannica Inc., 2015. Web. 04 Nov. 2015
<http://www.britannica.com/science/Huntington-disease>.
http://www.nist.gov/mml/bmd/srm-041211.cf