A change in one gene can disrupt thousands of others in HD. A study in pigs suggests an explanation: expanded huntingtin interferes with chemical marks on DNA. The same effect wasn’t seen in mice, showing that the animal model matters.

Cells constantly mend tears and rips in the fabric of your DNA, like a cherished pair of jeans. Sometimes this mending can add C-A-Gs by mistake. A group of scientists examined whether other kinds of rips in the genetic fabric may be occurring in HD.

Scientists discovered that a specific type of brain cell becomes unusually quiet in Huntington's disease. By restoring the activity of these cells in mice, they were able to rebalance brain circuits and improve movement.