Two newly identified protein forms may play a role in Alzheimer's
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet and their collaborators have identified two previously unknown forms of the protein amyloid-beta that may contribute to the development of Alzheimer's. The study, published in Nature Communications, also shows that a protein previously discovered by the researchers can counteract the formation of these harmful forms, suggesting a potential new treatment…
Two novel protein structures linked to Alzheimer's disease have been identified by researchers at Karolinska Institutet and their collaborators. The study, published in Nature Communications, reveals that amyloid-beta, a protein associated with the development of Alzheimer's, can form two previously unknown toxic intermediates. These structures, which form before plaques develop, can damage nerve cells.
However, a protein previously discovered by the research team, BRICHOS, can counteract the formation of these harmful amyloid-beta clusters. In mouse models, treatment with BRICHOS reduced the levels of these toxic forms, plaque formation, and brain inflammation, while improving cognitive test performance. The findings suggest a potential new treatment approach for Alzheimer's disease, offering an alternative to current antibody treatments which have limited effects and side effects.
Further research is needed to fully understand the role of these newly identified amyloid-beta forms in the progression of Alzheimer's, and to develop BRICHOS as a potential therapeutic agent.
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