Glutamine synthetase induces autophagy and neuronal survival in a Drosophila model of Huntington’s Disea

Huntigton\u2019s Disease (HD) is a genetic disorder characterized by the progressive degeneration of neurons resulting in involuntary movement and progressive cell death. Patients with HD express a mutant Huntingtin protein containing an extended polyglutamine (polyQ) trait that favors the formation of Htt-aggregates. Patients with polyQ diseases like Huntington\u2019s Disease and Spinocerebellar Ataxias (SCAs)were found partially protected against the development of cancer. Lancet Oncol. 2012 Jun;13(6):642-8 suggesting that might have reduced growth factor signaling. In addition, Glutamine synthetase (GS1) activity was found reduced in choreic brain post mortem. Life Sci.1983 Apr 25;32:1949-55. Life Sci.1982 Sep 13;31:1151-9. So we asked if there was a possible link between the function of the Glutamate Cycle and Growth Factor signaling in neurons and glia cells expressing the mutant human HTTQ93 polyQ protein