Phase Transition of Huntingtin: Factors and Pathological Relevance

Junsheng Yang; Xiaotong Yang

doi:10.3389/fgene.2020.00754

Phase Transition of Huntingtin: Factors and Pathological Relevance

Front Genet. 2020 Jul 23:11:754. doi: 10.3389/fgene.2020.00754. eCollection 2020.

Authors

Junsheng Yang¹, Xiaotong Yang¹

Affiliation

¹ Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China.

Abstract

Formation of intracellular mutant Huntingtin (mHtt) aggregates is a hallmark of Huntington's disease (HD). The mechanisms underlying mHtt aggregation, however, are still not fully understood. A few recent studies indicated mHtt undergoes phase transition, bringing new clues to understand how mHtt aggregates assemble. Here in this mini review, we will summarize these findings with a focus on the factors that affect mHtt phase transition. We will also discuss the possible pathological roles of mHtt phase separation in HD.

Keywords: Huntington’s disease; aggregates; huntingtin; phase separation; phase transition.

Publication types

Review