GRP78 counteracts cell death and protein aggregation caused by mutant huntingtin proteins

► N2a cells are transiently transfected with 20Q or 150Q. ► The mutant huntingtin protein elevated GRP78. ► We use GRP78 and siRNA-GRP78 to examine the effect of GRP78 on cytotoxin induced by mutant huntingtin. ► Over-expression of GRP78 blocked both caspase-12 activation and cell death. ► GRP78 may be considered in treatment of HD.