Compounds that have the ability to regulate the transcription of specific sets of genes are being proposed as possible candidates for treating HD. Some of these compounds may be able to regulate genes to produce proteins that could delay various HD symptoms. For example, some of the drugs could induce the transcription of genes responsible for the production of proteins with anti-inflammatory effects. Because inflammation has been found to play a role in the destructive effects associated with HD, the production of proteins with anti-inflammatory effects could be beneficial for people with HD. The drugs listed under the “changes in gene transcription” subcategory act to induce gene transcription and increase production of proteins beneficial for people with HD, and are therefore being looked into as possible HD treatments.
-E. Tan, 11-21-01