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Alzheimer's prevention role discovered for prions

Researchers have identified a protective role for normal prion proteins in preventing the formation of beta-amyloid plaques in the brain, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. High levels of PrPc reduced beta amyloid formation, while low or absent levels allowed it to return.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 3, 2007

New clues to stroke role in Alzheimer's

Researchers have discovered that stroke or traumatic brain injury can trigger Alzheimer's disease by enhancing the formation of brain-clogging amyloid plaques. Key findings include the role of caspase-mediated depletion of GGA3 in stabilizing BACE and increasing amyloid protein production.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateJun 6, 2007

Alzheimer's gene identified

Researchers at the University of Toronto have identified a new gene, SORL1, associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease in different ethnic groups. The discovery highlights the complexity of the disease's genetics and underscores the need for further replication studies.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalNature Genetics·DateJan 14, 2007

Enzyme shreds Alzheimer's protein

Researchers found that an enzyme called Cathepsin B breaks down the amyloid plaque protein in Alzheimer's disease, offering a potential new treatment approach. Increasing CatB activity reduced plaque deposits in mice with human APP, suggesting it could be a protective mechanism against AD.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateSep 20, 2006

Keeping amyloid - and Alzheimer's - in check

Researchers at Howard Hughes Medical Institute have identified a crucial protein called TMP21 that regulates amyloid-beta production. By controlling the specific cleavage of APP, TMP21 helps keep amyloid-beta levels in check, preventing the formation of toxic plaques. This discovery may lead to new treatments for Alzheimer's disease.

The unfolding of amyloid's true colors

The study reveals that Pme117, a glycoprotein involved in melanosomes, rapidly folds into functional amyloid fibers that enhance melanin production. This discovery suggests that amyloid formation may serve a physiological role in cells, contradicting current views on pathogenic amyloids.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 28, 2005

Timing possible treatments against Alzheimer's disease

Researchers have engineered mice to produce amyloid plaques in their brains, finding that treatment with drugs lowering Abeta production can prevent progression of Alzheimer's disease. However, treatment cannot reverse the disease. Early treatment with these drugs may be crucial in slowing or stopping its spread.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateNov 14, 2005

Compound in wine reduces levels of Alzheimer's disease-causing peptides

Researchers found that resveratrol, a compound in red wine, significantly reduces amyloid-beta peptide levels in cells. The compound is believed to stimulate the degradation of these peptides by the proteasome, a multi-protein complex. However, it remains unclear whether eating grapes can effectively prevent Alzheimer's disease.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateNov 3, 2005

Pinpointing a culprit molecule in Alzheimer's disease

Researchers created transgenic mice overproducing Ab40 and Ab42 to study their roles in AD pathology. The results showed that Ab42 mice accumulated extensive amyloid plaque and neural damage, while Ab40 mice showed little disease pathology. The study provides evidence for the critical role of Ab42 in initiating amyloid deposition.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateJul 20, 2005