Articles tagged with Amyloids
Researchers identify SMER28 molecule that increases autophagy to clear amyloid-beta protein aggregates. Increasing autophagy may improve treatment outcomes for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center have developed a gene therapy that clears toxic proteins from brain cells, preventing plaque formation and neuronal death. The treatment, which is given just once, has been shown to reduce amyloid beta plaque by 75% in mice.
The study found three genes that protect mice from brain amyloid accumulation, with lower expression in the liver protecting the mouse brain. One gene encodes Presenilin, a protein contributing to human Alzheimer's, which is expressed in the liver but not the brain.
Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio have identified a new molecule that works with amyloid-beta to speed up Alzheimer's disease. This discovery could lead to the development of drugs that disrupt this interaction, potentially blocking or slowing disease onset and progression.
Researchers have created a method to detect protein oligomers, small toxic aggregations that can initiate amyloid fiber formation in neurodegenerative diseases. The test uses fluorescence techniques and genetically modified yeast to locate and monitor oligomer formations.
Researchers at the University of Leeds have uncovered the first misfold that triggers the formation of amyloid fibres, a critical step in understanding these disease-causing structures. This discovery offers new targets for therapies and may shed light on other protein-related diseases.
Researchers tested how brain network integrity relates to future cognitive decline in people with mild memory problems. They found altered patterns of brain activity in the default mode network among those who later progress to Alzheimer's disease compared to those whose memory remains intact.
The Biophysical Society has announced the winners of its second annual CPOW travel awards, which provide travel grants to postdoctoral fellows presenting posters or oral presentations at the 55th Annual Meeting. The recipients include 10 women biophysicists from various institutions.
The Biophysical Society has announced the winners of its 2011 Student Travel Awards, recognizing 11 student researchers for their scientific merit and potential. The awardees will present their research at the 55th Annual Meeting in Baltimore, Maryland, and receive a travel grant.
A study using functional MRI scans found that individuals with the APOE4 gene variant exhibit abnormal brain function before forming senile plaques characteristic of Alzheimer's. Researchers aim to identify high-risk patients and develop treatments to slow disease progression.
A Swedish case study reveals how Alzheimer's disease progresses, with high amyloid plaque levels at early stages and declining brain energy. The discovery sheds light on the role of nicotinic receptors and neuroinflammation in the disease, offering new insights for diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers have discovered a new class of small molecules that can break up and remove amyloid clumps in the brain, potentially providing a therapeutic application for Alzheimer's disease. These compounds also show potential to cross the blood-brain barrier, protecting the brain from harmful substances.
Researchers at Temple University found that 5-lipoxygenase plays a regulatory role in amyloid beta formation, a major component of Alzheimer's plaques. Asthma inhibitors may prevent or treat the disease by modulating this protein.
A new study reveals that APP695 is the primary source of amyloid-beta peptide, a toxic compound contributing to Alzheimer's disease. This discovery enables researchers to target their work more precisely, potentially leading to a better understanding and treatment of the disease.
Researchers discover that amyloid beta disrupts an anti-oxidant protein called catalase, causing neural damage. A new coating molecule protects catalase from amyloid's harmful effects, restoring its function and potentially treating Alzheimer's disease.
Scientists have created a substance that targets amyloid structures in semen and weakens HIV's ability to infect the body's immune cells. The experimental compound makes it harder for HIV particles to stick to human immune cells, offering a new lead in developing a microbicide to prevent HIV transmission.
Researchers have discovered that the harmful amyloid protein in Alzheimer's disease interferes with the cellular process of breaking down proteins, leading to an accumulation of toxic debris. The study reveals a natural mechanism for getting rid of excess amyloid, which may help understand the disease.
Scientists use cutting-edge microscope to measure how brain cells respond to pressure, finding that intermediate form of amyloid-beta peptide stiffens cells the most. This discovery could lead to new ways to screen drugs for Alzheimer's and similar diseases.
Researchers at MIT discovered a link between SIRT1 gene and amyloid plaques in Alzheimer's patients, finding that SIRT1 controls production of devastating protein fragments. Overproduction of SIRT1 in mice with Alzheimer's symptoms improved learning and memory deficits, while deletion exacerbated them.
A study found that higher concentrations of clusterin protein in plasma are associated with the development and severity of Alzheimer's disease. Clusterin levels were also linked to rapid cognitive decline, brain atrophy, and increased amyloid-beta accumulation.
Researchers used a new model to test the effects of gamma secretase inhibitors on Alzheimer's disease. The study found that these drugs do not cause a surge in amyloid beta levels when treatment is interrupted, contradicting previous animal studies.
Dr. Castellani's work challenged the traditional view of Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis and highlighted the beneficial effects of amyloid formation. He received the award for his outstanding contribution to understanding the neuroprotective role of amyloid-β protein precursor and amyloid-β.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found serum amyloid A as a key protein trigger for sarcoidosis, an inflammatory disease affecting hundreds of thousands of Americans. The discovery opens the path to developing drug treatments or vaccines to block inflammation.
Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine found that Alzheimer's pathology begins with Amyloid-Beta oligomers in the brain, rather than previously thought amyloid plaques. The study suggests that these clumps, not plaques, are toxic to brain cells and may be a major target for new treatments.
A team of researchers at the University of Illinois has identified a promising new drug target for Alzheimer's disease: the beta-2 adrenergic receptor. The receptor is activated by amyloid-beta, leading to increased activity in affected neurons and eventual cell death.
Scientists propose general rules governing the assembly of filaments into thicker and twisted ribbon-like fibers using Atomic Force Microscopy images and polymer physics concepts. The model accurately predicts the formation of Amyloid fibers, with potential applications in understanding neurodegenerative diseases.
Scientists are developing new medications to block abnormal clumps of amyloid-beta protein in the brain, which may slow Alzheimer's disease progression. Clinical trials could lead to new treatments within 5-10 years if successful.
Researchers found that rapamycin improved learning and memory in Alzheimer's-susceptible mice, correlating with lower brain damage. The study used two different mouse models of early Alzheimer's, both showing similar results.
Researchers found amyloid plaques in healthy elderly individuals with disrupted brain connections, similar to those with Alzheimer's disease. This suggests that Alzheimer's may begin quietly, eroding brain networks before symptoms appear.
Scientists have discovered a new form of prion disease that causes brain artery damage, distinct from the typical sponge-like brain deterioration. The study may hold clues for treating Alzheimer's disease, as researchers found that removing a specific anchor from prion protein could prevent plaque accumulation and block fluid drainage.
Research suggests that amyloid-beta protein, a primary component of Alzheimer's plaques, is an antimicrobial peptide part of the innate immune system. A-beta inhibits the growth of certain pathogens and its accumulation may be triggered by chronic activation of the innate immune system.
A computer simulation of protein malfunction related to Alzheimer's disease was created by researchers at Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona and University of Stockholm. The model shows that ApoE4 loses its functional structure in the presence of Amyloid beta, but not ApoE2 and ApoE3 forms.
Researchers found that amyloid beta peptides induce calcium waves in astrocyte networks, which could clarify what causes Alzheimer's disease and suggest new drug targets. The study provides a potential link between the accumulation of Amyloid beta fragments and sustained disruption of calcium balance within cells.
A new instrument called PIB-PET effectively detects amyloid-beta protein plaques in the brains of living people, predictive of who will develop Alzheimer's disease. The study confirms the sensitivity of the tool and provides strong evidence supporting the 'amyloid hypothesis'.
Studies implicate beta amyloid protein in shared disease mechanisms with Alzheimer's, Down syndrome, and atherosclerosis. Damage to microtubule network disrupts cholesterol metabolism and insulin signaling.
A study published in the Journal of Neuroscience found a link between loss of smell function and amyloid protein accumulation in the brain, potentially serving as an early diagnostic tool for Alzheimer's disease. Researchers suggest that olfactory dysfunction may be used to detect the disease prior to substantial brain degeneration.
Researchers use Positron Emission Tomography (PET) to image amyloid-beta protein plaques in the brain, detecting deposits in cognitively normal older subjects and associating them with brain atrophy. The findings suggest a critical early role for amyloid deposition in Alzheimer's disease development.
University of Central Florida researchers have revealed a previously unknown mechanism that may drive the early brain function deterioration of Alzheimer's victims, potentially leading to preventive treatment. The discovery uses an existing cell research technique to accelerate the search for treatments.
A study by researchers at the University of California - San Diego has found that amyloid beta reduces plasticity in dendritic spines, affecting synapse transmission and memory storage. Continuous release of Aβ is required to prevent this effect.
Researchers at the Salk Institute found that slowing aging in mice with Alzheimer's-like symptoms prevented brain damage and impaired cognitive function. The study suggests that modulating the IGF-1 signaling pathway can have a protective effect against Alzheimer's disease.
New research suggests HIV-related cognitive deficits share a common link with Alzheimer's-related dementia: low levels of the protein amyloid beta in spinal fluid. This study can help find the cause of cognitive impairment in HIV patients and may impact new Alzheimer's treatments.
Scientists at the University of Leeds have discovered that amyloid fibres are toxic and become more damaging when shorter, challenging accepted thinking about their inert nature. The study highlights a potential new area for therapeutics and may lead to the development of new treatments for diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Scientists at Boston Biomedical Research Institute discovered that combining EGCG and DAPH-12 can prevent and destroy various protein structures known as amyloids, which are primary culprits in fatal brain disorders. The study may contribute to future therapies for Alzheimer's, Huntington's, and Parkinson's diseases.
Scientists discovered a single compound that impairs both bacterial infection and biofilm formation, offering new hope for treating UTIs. The compound targets amyloids, which also contribute to Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University found that amyloid-beta is necessary for normal day-to-day information transfer through nerve cell networks in the brain. The study suggests that removing amyloid-beta may impair neuronal function and accelerate Alzheimer's disease progression.
Scientists at the University of Michigan have determined the atomic-level structure of a SEVI precursor and found it damages cell membranes to make them more vulnerable to HIV infection. The study provides insights into how SEVI interacts with cell membranes, which may help in developing new treatments for AIDS.
Researchers have identified desmin protein changes in heart muscle cells that strengthen the link between Alzheimer's disease and chronic heart failure. The study found that misshaped desmin proteins and amyloid-like debris are present in both heart tissue and brain tissue of Alzheimer's patients, suggesting a common underlying cause.
A new mouse gene, Rps23r1, has been identified as a potential therapeutic target for reducing amyloid beta and tau levels in the brain. The gene triggers a signaling pathway that inhibits GSK-3, regulating protein generation and tangle formation. This finding offers new hope for treating Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers found that low doses of amyloid beta protein improved learning and memory in healthy mice, while blocking the protein caused learning impairment. The study suggests that the optimal amount of amyloid beta is crucial for maintaining cognitive function.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed hybrid molecules that can regulate copper-induced amyloid-beta aggregation, disrupting clump formation and breaking up existing clumps. The new compounds also hold promise in treating Alzheimer's disease and may be able to cross the blood-brain barrier.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic found that inflammation in the brain helps clear amyloid deposits, contradicting long-standing scientific belief. The study suggests that manipulating brain inflammation could be a potential therapeutic approach to treat Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers found that a high protein diet led to smaller brains in mice with Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests a possible link between high protein intake and reduced AD risk.
A Purdue University researcher has discovered that increasing protein phosphatase 5 (PP5) in neurons reduces reactive oxygen species-induced cell death, a mechanism linked to Alzheimer's disease. PP5 overexpression also prevents amyloid beta-mediated stress pathways.
The GAP study investigates the safety and effectiveness of IGIV in patients with mild to moderate AD, aiming to slow disease progression. Initial research suggests that IGIV may neutralize toxic forms of beta amyloid, promoting its elimination.
Researchers found that chronic sleep deprivation accelerates amyloid plaque deposition in mice with Alzheimer's disease. Orexin, a protein regulating the sleep cycle, appears directly involved in this process.
Researchers propose a new hypothesis for Alzheimer's disease: the myelin model. This theory suggests that degenerative diseases like Alzheimer's begin with normal brain maintenance and repair processes. The model suggests targeting earlier stages of myelination, potentially reducing dementia's burden.
A study has identified key Alzheimer's brain changes in older individuals with little memory impairment, shedding light on the role of amyloid protein in cognitive decline. The findings suggest that asymptomatic older adults may already be in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers at University of California - Davis Health report that amyloid plaques and bacterial biofilm elicit the same immune response in human cells, leading to chronic inflammation that damages neurons. The study identifies a protein called TLR-2 as controlling this response.
Scripps Research scientists discover a new drug tafamidis that significantly halts disease progression for patients with Transthyretin amyloid polyneuropathy. The drug targets protein misfolding, providing a potential therapeutic strategy for this rare inherited disease.
Researchers found that vitamin D3 and synthetic curcuminoids can stimulate the immune system to clear brain amyloid beta, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests combining these nutrients may be more effective for individual patients.