A gene editing tool designed to precisely rewrite a spot in the gene that causes Huntington’s disease reduced toxic protein fragments and symptoms associated with the disease in mice, researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign report.

Researchers at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC have discovered how an antioxidant treatment helps brain cells overcome the effects of 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, a genetic disorder associated with schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorder, and other neurodevelopmental conditions. Using a mouse model, the team found that the treatment did not repair the underlying genetic deletion or restore disrupted gene activity. Instead, it activated a different network of genes that enabled neurons to grow, form connections, and restore communication within brain circuits.  Using a mouse model, the team found that the treatment did not repair the underlying genetic deletion or restore disrupted gene activity. Instead, it activated a different network of genes that enabled neurons to grow, form connections, and restore communication within brain circuits.