Huntington's Gene Linked to Boosted Brain Development and IQ

A study from the University of Iowa reveals that the genetic mutation causing Huntington's disease (HD) enhances early brain development and intelligence, but leads to degeneration in adulthood. This supports the theory of antagonistic pleiotropy, where genetic traits beneficial in early life incur costs later. The findings suggest that treatments should focus on slowing brain aging rather than silencing the HD gene, potentially reshaping understanding of HD pathology and contributing to targeted therapies.