As reported in Nature (an international medical publication), research scientists have uncovered the atomic makeup of an important protein found in those with Alzheimer’s Disease.
This is being touted as a major milestone!
Scientists have successfully captured high-resolution images of the tau protein deposits suspected to be behind Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative conditions. These tau proteins are believed to be a key factor behind the disease.
In the study, scientists extracted these tau protein filaments from the brain of a deceased patient with Alzheimer’s disease-giving them an opportunity to see their functions at an atomic, molecular level.
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive disease most associated with affecting memory and other important mental functions – and is the most common cause of dementia — a group of brain disorders that cause the loss of intellectual and social skills.
And while Alzheimer’s is often discussed – especially in terms of its effects on people – not much is known about the cause. What we do know is that the disease damages and kills brain cells, leading to significant brain shrinkage. Furthermore, Alzheimer’s is linked to two kinds of abnormal protein deposits – tau filaments, which form inside nerve cells, and amyloid beta proteins, which builds up outside cells.
Scientists have studied the tau protein’s involvement in Alzheimer’s for decades, but this recent breakthrough has provided a closer, molecular look.
And the results give scientists a keener insight into how these harmful deposits function at a molecular level, and could lead to a number of new treatments to prevent them from forming – and in doing so, help to combat Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Read the full article here!
