Grant: DRA : Canada Graduate Research Scholarship - Doctoral Program (CGRS D)

Huntington's Disease (HD) is a devastating inherited brain disorder that causes gradual changes in thinking, movement, and behavior. These changes are caused by an expanded stretch of DNA within the Huntington gene, and disrupt how brain circuits function. Symptoms most often appear in adulthood, but subtle changes in the brain may begin many years earlier before diagnosis is possible. Understanding these early changes could help scientists develop better ways to detect, monitor, and eventually treat the disease. My research explores how HD affects the brain at different levels, from individual brain cells to large-scale brain activity to outward behavior. To do this, I use genetically modified mice that carry the HD mutation and mimic many of the disease's features seen in people. I developed a new behavioral task that allows mice to interact socially in a more natural and voluntary way, while recording brain activity over time. I also use advanced imaging tools that allow us to see how the brain circuits respond to different sensory signals, such as sights, sounds, and smells. Finally, I measure how these brain responses relate to learning and decision-making abilities, helping us understand whether abnormal brain activity makes it harder for individuals with HD to learn or adapt. This multi-scale approach of linking genes, brain circuits, and behavior can provide a more complete picture of how HD unfolds in the brain. By identifying early signs of dysfunction, this research could lead to new tools for diagnosis, better ways to track disease progression, and future treatments that intervene earlier in the disease process. Ultimately, my goal is to help move science one step closer to improving the lives of people and families affected by Huntington's Disease.