Dr. Ray Truant: The Journey Behind Researching Huntington's Disease

Huntington's disease (HD) is an inherited disorder that is characterized by the breakdown of neurons in the brain. This degradation affects the brain’s ability to control voluntary movement, leading to uncontrollable dance-like movements (chorea) and abnormal body postures, as well as problems with behavior, emotion, thinking, and personality.

Currently, there are no treatments that can completely cure or reverse the process of HD. Therefore, in order to improve the life qualities of individuals with HD, understanding its underlying mechanisms is vital. One of the leading scientists, who has contributed significantly to the research of Huntington’s Disease and other neurodegenerative diseases, is Dr. Ray Truant, who will have an “office hour” with us today.

Dr. Ray Truant Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University

AFFILIATION

Dr. Ray Truant is a Professor and Principal Investigator of the Ray Truant Laboratory in the Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences at McMaster University.

ACADEMIC & TEACHING BACKGROUND

Undergraduate and graduate studies:

Dr. Truant completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto. He then pursued his graduate training in the Department of Medical Genetics at the C.H. Best Institute at the University of Toronto, where his research focused on protein–protein interactions involving the tumor-suppressor protein p53 and the molecular mechanisms underlying transcriptional activation.

Postdoctoral training:

Following the completion of his doctorate, Dr. Truant undertook postdoctoral training in the Department of Genetics at Duke University. There, his research examined protein–protein interactions of HIV-1 proteins and the cellular mechanisms governing protein transport into and out of the nucleus, employing a broad range of biochemical and cell-biological techniques.

Teaching and research career:

In 1999, Dr. Truant was recruited as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences at McMaster University, where he initiated research programs centered on polyglutamine disorders, with a particular emphasis on Huntington’s disease.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

The Ray Truant Laboratory focuses on Huntington’s disease, and more broadly, age-onset neurodegenerative disorders. Current projects in the lab investigate molecular mechanisms underlying Huntington’s disease, spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1), and spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 (SCA7).

AWARDS & LEADERSHIP

• CIHR New Investigator Award (2001)

• Chair, Scientific Advisory Board and Board Officer, Huntington Society of Canada (2007–2021)

• Michael Wright Community Leadership Award (2014)

• Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal (2021)

EPISODE OVERVIEW

In this episode, we follow Dr. Ray Truant as he retraces the academic journey that led to his current achievements in the Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences at McMaster University. Dr. Truant shares formative moments along the way—including how his interest in Huntington’s disease began during a conversation in a pub, and his personal connection to the scientist who discovered the pivotal tumor-suppressor protein p53.

INTERVIEW

From YouTube channel of Office Hours: Unplugged