Final answer:
To prevent Huntington's Disease in transgenic mice, researchers can use gene editing technologies to remove or modify the gene mutation, employ RNA interference to down-regulate the mutant gene's expression, or explore epigenetic modifications to alter gene expression without changing the DNA sequence.
Step-by-step explanation:
To address the question of how Huntington's Disease (HD) can be prevented in transgenic mice, it's important to first highlight the role of transgenic animals in scientific research. Transgenic mice are created by inserting specific genes into their genome, which allows scientists to study the expression and effects of these genes. In medical research, they serve as models for understanding human diseases, including genetic disorders like HD.
One approach to preventing HD in transgenic mice is by using gene editing technologies, such as CRISPR/Cas9, to remove or alter the specific gene mutation responsible for the disease. Another strategy could be the use of RNA interference (RNAi) to down-regulate the expression of the mutant gene. Additionally, research into epigenetics provides insights into how gene expression can be altered without changing the underlying DNA sequence, potentially offering another pathway for intervention. For instance, tweaking the activity of histone acetyltransferases (HATs) and deacetylases (HDACs) could modify gene expression to prevent or mitigate the effects of HD.