Stem Cells Show Promise In Delivering Gene Therapy For Hunington's Disease

In a promising approach that might block the disease from advancing, researchers have developed a technique for using stem cells to deliver therapy that specifically targets the genetic abnormality found in Huntington's disease. Huntington's disease can be managed with medications, but currently there are no treatments for the physical, mental and behavioral decline of its victims.

"We have been able to successfully deliver inhibitory RNA sequences from stem cells directly into neurons, significantly decreasing the synthesis of the abnormal huntingtin protein," said Jan A. Nolta, Director of the UC Davis stem cell program and the UC Davis Institute for Regenerative Cures.