Alzheimer’s Breakthrough: Could This Protein Hold the Key to Slowing Down the Disease
In experiments on mice, a team led by University of Colorado pharmacologist Tyler Martinez found that blocking a protein called murine double-minute 2 (Mdm2) prevented the destruction of dendritic spines and synapses, essential for brain cell communication.
This degeneration is triggered by amyloid-beta accumulation, which is linked to brain clogging in Alzheimer’s. Deactivating Mdm2 halted amyloid-beta’s damaging effects.
“When Mdm2 is inappropriately activated, it leads to synapse pruning in the presence of amyloid-beta,” says neuroscientist Mark Dell’Acqua from the University of Colorado. “Inhibiting Mdm2 blocked dendritic spine loss triggered by amyloid-beta.”
While amyloid-beta and dendritic spine trimming are vital in moderation, problems arise when they’re uncontrolled. Understanding these initial links is crucial for Alzheimer’s comprehension.
Dendritic spines and synapses are vital for learning and memory; their impairment is significant in Alzheimer’s due to brain signaling breakdown.
In the study, the cancer drug nutlin limited Mdm2 activity, which typically aids tumor suppression. While it’s early, mouse brain results are promising.
“This is an encouraging first step that provides a new lead,” says Dell’Acqua.
The next step is to determine if inhibiting Mdm2 slows Alzheimer’s. While amyloid-beta is a prime suspect, there’s insufficient evidence for conviction.
Researchers make ongoing Alzheimer’s discoveries, understanding its origins and brain impact. The body’s involvement is also possible.
“There are questions if anti-amyloid therapy is the sole Alzheimer’s therapy,” says Dell’Acqua. “Intervening by blocking amyloid-beta impacts or targeting Mdm2 may also be possible.”
Source:Alzheimer’s Breakthrough: Could This Protein Hold the Key to Slowing Down the Disease?
Scientists harness AI to predict dementia 15 years before symptoms appear
Scientists harness AI to predict dementia 15 years before symptoms appear
In the battle against dementia, Chinese scientists have harnessed the power of artificial intelligence (AI) and a vast databank to predict the onset of the disease up to 15 years before symptoms appear.