Mitochondrial Biomarkers in Huntington's Disease

This investigator-initiated, single-site longitudinal study seeks to assess the utility of mitochondrial metabolomics -- panels of small molecules that affect mitochondrial function -- to diagnose pre-symptomatic, pre-manifest, and symptomatic Huntington's disease and serve as biomarkers for HD severity and progression. It also seeks to demonstrate that this novel biomarker in the blood has comparable value to the same analysis in spinal fluid. This research study involves 3-4 visits over 18 months. Forty volunteers with HD and 25 volunteers without HD will be included. Volunteers who have HD will have a physical examination and blood draw at each study visit. Some participants will also volunteer for optional lumbar puncture.