Researchers from the University of California, Berkeley, have discovered how a protein finds its way to its target in a cell. The finding could lead to new treatments for diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.

The protein, called huntingtin, is responsible for transporting other proteins to the nucleus of the cell. In people with Huntington's disease, a genetic mutation causes huntingtin to become misshapen and unable to perform its job. This leads to the buildup of toxic proteins in the cell, which eventually kills the cell.

The researchers found that huntingtin is able to find its way to the nucleus by interacting with a protein called dynein. Dynein is a motor protein that moves along microtubules, which are tiny tracks that run throughout the cell.

The researchers believe that the interaction between huntingtin and dynein is disrupted in people with Huntington's disease. This prevents huntingtin from reaching the nucleus and causes the buildup of toxic proteins.

The finding could lead to new treatments for Huntington's disease and other diseases that are caused by defects in protein transport. For example, researchers could develop drugs that enhance the interaction between huntingtin and dynein. This would allow huntingtin to reach the nucleus and prevent the buildup of toxic proteins.

The research was published in the journal Cell.