Defect in Process That Controls Gene Expression May Contribute to Huntington’s Disease and Other Neurodegenerative Disorders

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A protein complex called Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2) which plays a critical role in forming specific classes of nerve cells in the brain during development, also plays an important role in the adult brain where it may contribute to Huntington’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. The Mount Sinai study focuses on epigenetics, the study of changes in the action of human genes caused by molecules that regulate when, where and to what degree our genetic material is activated. Protein complexes have an important role in the biochemical processes that are associated with the expression of genes. Some help to silence genes, whereas others are involved in the activation of genes. The importance of such complexes is emphasized by the face that mice cannot live if they do not possess PRC2. To read more, click here.

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