Analysis of biological specimens from individuals with Huntington’s disease should help clarify the pathogenesis of HD and identify biomarkers of the various stages of the illness.  The Huntington Project will establish uniform protocols for collecting, storing, and disseminating biological specimens from affected persons and unaffected controls. These protocols will cover the following:

• Collecting blood and other specimens
•  Storing specimens and developing procedures to ensure minimal degradation of components
• Extracting DNA, RNA, protein, and other components from biological specimens
•  Protecting the privacy of individuals submitting biological specimen samples
•  Encouraging affected persons to consider contributing biological specimen samples
•  Encouraging research based on the analysis of biological specimen samples
• Encouraging research that integrates biological specimen analysis with data from clinical trials and family histories