Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of detecting the presence of detergent- or urea-insoluble amyloid-like fibrils or protein aggregates on filters. Preferably, said fibrils or aggregates are indicative of a disease, preferably of a neurodegenerative disease such as Alzheimer's disease or Huntington's disease. In addition, the present invention relates to inhibitors identified by the method of the invention, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising said inhibitors and to diagnostic compositions useful for the investigation of said amyloid-like fibrils or aggregates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel compositions useful for elucidating the onset or progress of diseases such as Huntington's disease, that are associated with the formation of fibrils or protein aggregates. Further, the present invention relates to methods for monitoring formation of fibrils or protein aggregates as well as to methods for identifying inhibitors of fibril or protein aggregate formation. Additionally, the invention relates to inhibitors of the formation of fibrils or protein aggregates identified by the method of the invention as well as to pharmaceutical compositions that include the inhibitors.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel method for treating a variety of diseases and disorders, including polyglutamine expansion diseases such as Huntington's disease, neurological degeneration, psychiatric disorders, and protein aggregation disorders and diseases, comprising administering to patients in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of one or more deacetylase inhibitors. The invention is also directed to a transgenic fly useful as a model of polyglutamine expansion diseases, which may be used to test potential therapeutic agents.