You can also find out more about Par Marie Parra You can also find out more about the following: Subscribers
Huntington's chorea causes neurons to degenerate. The disease is caused by a genetic mutation that results in abnormally long, poorly shaped proteins that can aggregate together. Dutch researchers have discovered that these aggregates can pierce the membrane of the nucleus of neurons, a mechanism that may contribute to the progression of the disease.
Illustration of neurons in the striatum, whose degeneration plays a fundamental role in Huntington's disease.
KATERYNA KON / Science Photo Library / KKO / Science Photo Library through AFP
In 90% cases, Huntington's disease manifests itself through sudden, unpredictable and involuntary movements. A symptom called "chorea", which gave its other name to this pathology: Huntington's chorea.
The cause: a genetic mutation. Around 18,000 people in France are carriers. For the moment, this hereditary disease is incurable. However, several therapeutic avenues are currently being studied. They are gradually emerging, as the mechanisms underlying this disease are better understood.
English 
French