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Overlooked peptide reveals clues to causes of Alzheimer's disease

A previously understudied amyloid peptide, A-beta-43, is more abundant and neurotoxic than previously studied peptides in promoting Alzheimer's disease. The findings suggest a potential role for A-beta-43 as a biomarker for diagnosis and a new approach for preventing AD-causing amyloidosis.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJul 3, 2011

Unfolding amyloid secrets

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.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJan 20, 2011

Unique case study on Alzheimer's disease

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.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalBrain·DateDec 14, 2010

Targeting amyloid to stop HIV

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.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateSep 28, 2010

Alzheimer's memory problems originate with protein clumps floating in the brain, not amyloid plaques

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.

Scientists find new form of prion disease that damages brain arteries

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.

New findings reveal loss of smell function may predict early onset of Alzheimer's disease

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.

Neuroimaging may shed light on how Alzheimer's disease develops

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.

SourceIOS Press·JournalBehavioural Neurology·DateJan 11, 2010

New therapy targets for amyloid disease

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.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateDec 4, 2009

Green tea chemical combined with another may hold promise for treatment of brain disorders

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.

SourceBoston Biomedical Research Institute·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateDec 3, 2009

An atomic-level look at an HIV accomplice

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.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateNov 19, 2009

Amyloid beta protein gets bum rap

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.