The Role of Animal Models in Huntington's Disease Clinical Trials: Decoding Genetic, Non-Genetic, and Molecular Pathways.

Abstract

Background: Huntington's disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder due to a CAG trinucleotide repeat expansion in the HD gene. Animal models have been instrumental in revealing the genetic and molecular bases of HD. While animal models cannot exactly model the human disease because of anatomical and lifespan differences, they are essential in revealing HD pathology and possible treatments.

Objective: This review aimed to highlight the significance of animal models, particularly rodents, in deepening our knowledge of Huntington's disease. It underlines how non-genetic and genetic models have aided research and therapy innovation as well as their limitations.

Methods: This review addresses the use of different models of animals, including genetic models, such as transgenic mice and non-genetic models, for example, invertebrates and non-human primates. It addresses the creation of these models through methods, such as gene transfer techniques and transgenic manipulation, to simulate the genetic defects that occur in humans. The applicability of model choice based on validity criteria, including symptom manifestation and treatment effectiveness, is also discussed.

Results: This study underscores the effectiveness of the R6/2 mouse model, characterized by accelerated symptom onset and HD pathology. Progress in genetic engineering has also boosted the construction of murine and rat models that reproduce the hereditary aspects of HD, providing significant platforms for experimental investigation.

Conclusion: Even with their limitations, animal models, especially rodents, continue to play a vital role in the study of HD pathogenesis and therapeutic intervention. These models still shed light on the disease and direct towards the identification of effective treatments.