Astrocytes from R6/2 mice -which overexpress the cleaved version of mHTT corresponding to the exon 1 of the gene- displayed a downregulation of cholesterol biosynthesis genes (SREBF2, INSIG1, CYP51A1, HMGCR, IDI1, HMGCS2, DHCR24, MVD), cholesterol sensors (INSIG1, INSIG2), and cholesterol uptake (LDLR), while cholesterol efflux (ABCA1) was increased, suggesting an abnormal response of HD astrocytes to cholesterol levels. The gene discussed is ABCA1; the disease is Huntington disease.