(June 4, 2009 - Insidermedicine) New insight into how brain damage occurs in Huntington's disease offers a potential new target for treatment, according to research published in the journal Science.

Here is some information about Huntington's disease:

•    It is a genetically inherited condition in which cells in specific parts of the brain begin to die.

•    Symptoms include difficulty controlling movements, emotional disturbance, and loss of mental faculties

•    While those with Huntington's are born with the disease, symptoms do not usually begin to appear until well into adulthood.

Researchers from Johns Hopkins University investigated proteins that are present only in the corpus striatum of the brain, the area significantly damaged by Huntington's. Research shows that the genetic mutation that causes the disease results in the development of a mutant protein called huntingtin, which is found throughout the bodies of Huntington's patients.

Researchers identified a protein called Rhes, which is present almost exclusively in the corpus striatum. When combined, huntingtin and Rhes bind tightly together and are remarkably toxic to cells. This helps explain why cell damage occurs primarily in the corpus striatum.

We had a chance to speak with Dr. Solomon Snyder, one of the authors of this study, who offered some further insight.

Today's research highlights the role that the protein Rhes plays in Huntington's disease and offers researchers a new target for treatment.

For Insidermedicine in Depth, I'm Dr. Susan Sharma.