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A glimmer of hope in the struggle against neurodegenerative diseases: the virtues of proteins that can save dying neurons
January 25, 2002Diseases characterized by neurodegeneration affect individuals over 50 years of age and they attack one particular class of neurons in the brain or spinal cord. The research interest of Professor Ann Kato and her team is principally focalized on ALS in which there is a progressive paralysis caused by the destruction of motor neurons which exist in both the brain and spinal cord. These cells are responsible for the movements of the upper and lower limbs and their elimination causes muscular atrophy and finally death.
During the last 3 years, the objectives of the experiments of Professor Kato consist in trying to understand why these neurons die and to study the intracellular and molecular pathways which can prevent their degeneration. It was during the course of their experiments to attempt to prolong the survival of the cells that the group of Professor Kato found that a newly discovered family of proteins called Inhibitors of Apoptosis Proteins (IAP's) were capable of preventing the death of motor neurons. The results of these experiments show that if these particular proteins can be increased inside motor neurons, then it is possible to prevent their degeneration. This discovery opens the way for promising new therapeutic perspectives in both gene therapy for diseases of neuronal degeneration and also in the field of classical pharmacology which concerns the search for new small molecular weight substances which can increase the production of IAP family members or substances which can play the same role as the IAP's in the brain and spinal cord.
We hope that this discovery will not only encourage but also accelerate clinical and genetic research in this disease but also in other neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. This work represents another small step in the continuing search for efficient therapeutic agents.
Genîve, Université de
Genîve, Université de
Neurons Current Events and Neurons News RSSScripps research scientists find new link between insulin and core body temperature
A team led by scientists at The Scripps Research Institute have discovered a direct link between insulin-a hormone long associated with metabolism and metabolic disorders such as diabetes-and core body temperature.
New Down syndrome treatment suggested by Stanford/Packard study in mice
At birth, children with Down syndrome aren't developmentally delayed. But as they age, these kids fall behind. Memory deficits inherent in Down syndrome hinder learning, making it hard for the brain to collect experiences needed for normal cognitive development.
Cognitive dysfunction reversed in mouse model of Down syndrome
A study by neuroscientist William C. Mobley, MD, PhD, chair of the Department of Neurosciences at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, and colleagues at Stanford University Medical School has demonstrated a possible new approach to slowing the inevitable progression of cognitive decline found in Down's syndrome.
Pushing the brain to find new pathways
Until recently, scientists believed that, following a stroke, a patient had about six months to regain any lost function. After that, patients would be forced to compensate for the lost function by focusing on their remaining abilities.
Scientists decipher the formation of lasting memories
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have discovered a mechanism that controls the brain's ability to create lasting memories. In experiments on genetically manipulated mice, they were able to switch on and off the animals' ability to form lasting memories by adding a substance to their drinking water.
Developmental delay could stem from nicotinic receptor deletion
The loss of a gene through deletion of genetic material on chromosome 15 is associated with significant abnormalities in learning and behavior, said a consortium of researchers led by Baylor College of Medicine (www.bcm.edu) in a report that appears online today in the journal Nature Genetics.
New TMS clinic offers noninvasive treatment for major depression
Rush University Medical Center has opened the Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Clinic to offer patients suffering from major depression a safe, effective, non-drug treatment.
Researchers explore new ways to prevent spinal cord damage using a vitamin B3 precursor
Substances naturally produced by the human body may one day help prevent paralysis following a spinal cord injury, according to researchers at Weill Cornell Medical College. A recent $2.5 million grant from the New York State Spinal Cord Injury Research Board will fund their research investigating this possibility.
Estrogen therapy likely must be given soon after menopause to provide stroke protection
For estrogen replacement to provide stroke protection, it likely must be given soon after levels drop because of menopause or surgical removal of the ovaries, scientists report in the Journal of Neuroscience.
Researchers identify drug candidate for treating spinal muscular atrophy
A chemical cousin of the common antibiotic tetracycline might be useful in treating spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a currently incurable disease that is the leading genetic cause of death in infants.
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BRAIN CELL (NEURON) GIANT MICROBES PLUSH by Giant Microbes The more brain cells you have, the smarter you are. |
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The Neuron: Cell and Molecular Biology by Irwin B. Levitan Ph.D. (Author), Leonard K. Kaczmarek Ph.D. (Author) The third edition of The Neuron provides a comprehensive first course in the cell and molecular biology of nerve cells. The first part of the book covers the properties of the many newly discovered ion channels that have emerged through mapping of the genome. These channels shape the way a single neuron generates varied patterns of electrical activity. Next are covered the molecular mechanisms that convert electrical activity into the secretion of neurotransmitter hormones at synaptic junctions between neurons. The second part of the book covers the biochemical pathways that are linked to the action of neurotransmitters and that can alter the cellular properties of neurons or sensory cells that transduce information from the outside world into the electrical code used by neurons. The... |
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Brain Cell (Neuron) Giganticmicrobes By Giant Microbes by Giant Microbes NEW - GIGANTIC Microbes (15-20" plush doll) Plush Educational Toy - The more brain cells you have, the smarter you are. |
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From Neurons to Neighborhoods : The Science of Early Childhood Development by Committee on Integrating the Science of Early Childhood Development (Author), Youth, and Families Board on Children (Author), Committee on Integrating the Science of Early Childhood Development (Author), National Research Council (Author), Jack P. Shonkoff (Editor), Deborah A. Phillips (Editor) Authoritative yet accessible, Neurons to Neighborhoods presents the newest evidence about early brain development and how children learn to speak, think, get along with others, and regulate their behavior. It examines the effect of the surrounding context-family, child care, community-within which the child grows.
Are the early years a time of vulnerability or resilience? To what extent are our future prospects constrained by how well we navigate them? How can we get all children off to a good start in life? When should we worry? The committee provides a framework for approaching such vital questions and explores how scientists know what they know about childhood development. This timely release will be important to all those who care about children and their families:... |
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DANCE by The Neurons [CD on Demand] by THE NEURONS |
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Knowing Neurons Clearance Sale Art Poster Print, 18x24 by AllPosters.com AllPosters.com is the world's #1 seller of posters, prints, photographs, specialty products and framed art. We're dedicated to bringing our customers the best selection of high quality wall décor that is perfect for their home or office. Browse our catalog of over 300,000 items that include entertainment and specialty posters, decorative prints, and art reproductions. Whether you're looking for your favorite movie or music poster, a framed Monet reproduction, or a print of the Eiffel Tower you will find it at AllPosters.com. Visit our Amazon store today at www.amazon.com/allposters to find Special Offers and search by subject category or artist. AllPosters.com provides unmatched service with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. We ship internationally to over 80 countries. Decorate your... |
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The Human Brain Poster Series - Laminated, 5 Poster Set. Brain Facts, Brain Structure, Brain Health & Safety, Brain Functions, and Brain Neurons. by Jaguar Educational Brilliantly illustrated and loaded with facts, this poster series provides a unique visual introduction to the fascinating human brain. Using cutaway imagery and colorful diagrams, Brain Matters explores the brain's structure. Brainworks reveals the functions of each of the brain's regions. Knowing Neurons illustrates the electrochemical transmission of signals in the brain and nervous system. Amazing facts and figures are featured in Brain Facts. And Brain Health offers important tips on health and safety. An excellent teaching resource for biology, anatomy and psychology classes. |
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Cortical Songs (Neuron Trigger Mx) Thom Yorke (Primary Contributor) |
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I of the Vortex: From Neurons to Self by Rodolfo R. Llinas (Author) In I of the Vortex, Rodolfo Llinás, a founding father of modern brain science, presents an original view of the evolution and nature of mind. According to Llinás, the "mindness state" evolved to allow predictive interactions between mobile creatures and their environment. He illustrates the early evolution of mind through a primitive animal called the "sea squirt." The mobile larval form has a brainlike ganglion that receives sensory information about the surrounding environment. As an adult, the sea squirt attaches itself to a stationary object and then digests most of its own brain. This suggests that the nervous system evolved to allow active movement in animals. To move through the environment safely, a creature must anticipate the outcome of each movement on the basis of incoming... |
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Brain Fitness by HAPPYneuron, Inc. Brain vitality and agility is vital for success in daily life for everyone, whether you are a student, professional, a stay at home mom or are retired. This Brain Fitness CD ROM contains fun and innovative exercises and tools that will provide your brain with a full mental workout. Your brain requires novel and complex stimulation to build brainpower. This program provides just that! In just 20 minutes per day, Brain Fitness will help increase thinking ability, prevent brain aging, and hone all five cognitive functions of memory, language, concentration, visual spatial skills and executive function. Moreover, it will provide you with the tools to monitor and track your progress. All your brain needs to stay fit for life! |
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