iMarkHD

Investigating biomarkers for disease and symptom progression in Huntington’s disease

The NDN, along with NHS Lothian Huntington’s service, are involved in identifying people who may be interested in participating in the ‘iMarkHD’ study.

This study is based at Kings College London.

As the genetic cause of Huntington’s disease is known, asymptomatic carriers who will develop the disease can be identified, and the timeframe for symptom onset can be estimated. This makes it possible to search for biomarkers — biological indicators that suggest changes in normal function —which may be able to be used to highlight early disease processes, and disease progression. Identifying biomarkers for Huntington’s disease is crucial, as it would facilitate the development of studies exploring potential treatments.

Previous research suggests that neuroimaging techniques hold promise for identifying HD biomarkers, but no definitive biomarker has been established yet.

In this study, asymptomatic and symptomatic people carrying the Huntington’s disease gene will be recruited, along with healthy controls, to undergo two types of brain scans: one Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan and four Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans using different tracers. Participants will complete these scans at three time points—baseline, one year, and two years. If preliminary findings are promising, the study will be extended for an additional year following the same procedures.