Huntingtin protein is identified as a major pathological molecule of
Huntington's disease. Huntingtin gene -- also termed IT15 -- contains a
polymorphic trinucleotide repeat that is expanded and unstable on HD
chromosomes. A (CAG)n repeat longer than the normal range was observed on HD
chromosomes from most HD patients. The severity of symptoms and early onset
of the disease enhances with the increasing length of CAG repeats. Some
proteins have been identified to bind to huntingtin protein. HAP1, apopain
and GAPD are the most significant among them. Some other molecules similar
to huntingtin are also found. Consult in the previous page.