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20.03.2017
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- Glossary
Huntington's disease
Huntington's disease is a progressive and fatal hereditary disease that manifests itself in the brain. It is characterized by dyskinesia, dementia, and behavioral and psychological changes. To date, there is no cure, although scientists have a relatively good understanding of its molecular causes. The Huntington's gene of those affected contains up to 200 copies of a specific base triplet (group of three bases). This causes the cells to produce a defective protein, which primarily forms deposits in the striatum of the brain. This leads to degeneration of the neurons in the basal ganglia and the cortex.
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- Glossary
CREB
A transcription factor in the cell nucleus that is activated by cAMP-dependent signaling pathways. CREB influences gene activity and can thus improve communication between two cells. This is a cellular basis for learning processes.
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- Glossary
Neurodegeneration
Collective term for diseases in which nerve cells gradually lose their structure or function until they eventually die. In many cases, misfolded proteins are the trigger – such as certain forms of the proteins beta-amyloid and tau in the case of Alzheimer's disease. In other diseases, such as Parkinson's disease or Huntington's disease, proteins within the neurons are not broken down properly. As a result, toxic aggregates are deposited there, leading to the respective disease symptoms. While Huntington's disease is clearly genetic, in Parkinson's and Alzheimer's there appear to be certain gene variants that promote their development. None of these neurodegenerative diseases can be cured at present.
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- News from the Institutes
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Immune markers identified
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- News from the Institutes
A human model of the blood-brain barrier
Disruptions to the protective barrier contribute to the development of serious brain diseases such as stroke and Alzheimer's.
16.12.2025
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24.02.2017
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- News from the Institutes
Protective Brain Immune Cell State Discovered
Discovery points to a potential new therapeutic pathway for Alzheimer’s disease
05.11.2025
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- News from the Institutes
Structure of clusterin: a key protein against neurodegenerative diseases
Crystallographic three-dimensional structure of human clusterin determined for the first time
08.09.2025
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- Percipience
- Smell & Taste
The Anatomy of Fragrance
Olfactory cells extend directly into the olfactory bulb of the brain, where the scent is assembled.
06.08.2018
