Trigger for deadly neurodegenerative disorder identified

Illustration of neurons of the dorsal striatum of the brain. The neurons are shown in purple, pink and blue against a black background. .

Scientists have identified an enzyme that may play a crucial role in triggering Huntington's disease, a rare and deadly disorder that causes brain cells to decay.

New research in rodents and humans has shown that the levels of a specific enzyme — glutathione S-transferase omega 2 (GSTO2) — go up in the brain prior to the start of Huntington's symptoms.