Genetic Engineering in Fruit Flies for Huntington’s Disease Research: 28 Dec 2023

Huntington’s Disease:

• Genetic Disorder: Huntington’s disease (HD) is an inherited condition causing the breakdown and death of brain neurons.
• Brain Impact: It primarily affects brain areas controlling voluntary movement and other functions.
• Cause and Mutation: The disease is caused by mutations in the HTT gene, leading to abnormal huntingtin proteins that form harmful clumps in the brain.
• Treatment and Cure: While there’s no cure, treatments like drugs and therapy manage symptoms.

Why in News: 

• Hungarian researchers have genetically modified fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) to express a mutated human HTT gene, using a gene from baker’s yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae).