Context: Recently,the National Centre for Cell Science has found that the pathogenic protein called Huntingtin Protein causes a decrease in overall protein production.
About the Study

• In the study on fruit flies, it was observed that the pathogenic Huntingtin protein causes a decrease in the overall protein production in cells.
• The Huntingtin clumps collect together (sequester) molecules of another protein called Orb2, which is also involved in the process of protein formation.
• Orb2 protein is crucial for maintenance of memory in fruit flies.
• In humans, a family of proteins called CPEB is equivalent to the Orb2 protein in fruit flies.
• Further studies found that the CPEB proteins are also sequestered by the pathogenic Huntingtin clumps, similar to the Orb2 protein molecules.
• The study, thus, becomes relevant to and valuable in understanding HD in humans.

About Huntington disease

• Huntington’s disease is an inherited genetic disease that causes the progressive breakdown (degeneration) of nerve cells in the brain. 
• It is caused by a mutation in a gene called HTT which is involved in the production of a protein called huntingtin.

Symptoms

• The symptoms of Huntington’s disease usually develop between ages 30 and 50 but they can appear at an early as well as late age.
• The disease has a broad impact on a person’s functional abilities and usually results in movement, thinking (cognitive) and psychiatric disorders.

Treatment

• There is currently no cure for Huntington’s disease and no way to slow or stop the brain changes it causes but drugs, physiotherapy and talk therapy can help manage some symptoms.

About National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS)

• It is an autonomous organisation aided by the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, was established to facilitate cell biology research in the country.
• It is located within the academically-enriched campus of the Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU). 
• Since its inception, it has been performing cutting-edge research in cell biology, providing valuable services as a national animal cell repository, and supporting human resource development through various teaching and training programmes. 
• It has been at the forefront of basic research in diverse fields of cell biology, especially those addressing important human health issues such as cancer, metabolic disorders, infectious diseases, and regenerative medicine. 
• The research at NCCS is focused on answering these challenging health issues through approaches that integrate modern and conventional disciplines including cell biology, cellular signalling, stem cell biology, immunology, genomics, proteomics, systems biology, structural biology and microbial ecology.