Expression of mHTT in differentiated astrocytes induced cytosolic mHTT aggregates and nuclear inclusions, suppressed the expression of SOD2 and PGC1, reduced ability to uptake glutamate, decreased 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) response, and shifted I/V plot measured by electrophysiology, which are consistent with previous reports on HD astrocytes and patient brain samples.
We have also observed significantly elevated levels of some antioxidant enzymes (SOD2 and GR) which may serve as an indicator of antioxidant defense system in HD patients.