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Novel technique spotlights neuronal uptake of amyloid beta in Alzheimer's disease

Researchers at the University of California - Santa Cruz identify a specific segment of amyloid beta recognized by the cellular prion protein, which mediates its uptake into neurons and toxicity. This finding suggests targeting this process may be a promising approach for Alzheimer's drug development.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 2, 2020

The intricate protein architecture linked to disease

Researchers at the University of Leeds have visualised the structure of amylin fibrils, a key player in type 2 diabetes, and discovered an intricate architecture that makes some sequences more prone to aggregation. This finding suggests a potential explanation for the rapid onset of disease in individuals with early-onset type 2 diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateSep 14, 2020

New study shows how infrared lasers destroy harmful protein aggregates in Alzheimer's

Researchers at Tokyo University of Science used infrared laser irradiation to destroy amyloid fibrils, which are typical of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. The study combines experimental and simulation results, showing that the process begins at the core of the fibril, where resonance breaks intermolecular hydrogen bonds.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry B·DateAug 4, 2020

Alzheimer's protein in blood indicates early brain changes

Researchers have identified a blood test target, phosphorylated tau 217, that correlates with the presence of amyloid plaques in the brain. This protein can be detected in the blood of people who have yet to show signs of forgetfulness or confusion, making it a promising tool for early Alzheimer's diagnosis.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJul 28, 2020

Researchers make significant step toward blood test for Alzheimer's disease

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have developed a technique to detect minute amounts of p-tau-217, a protein fragment linked to Alzheimer's disease in the blood. The levels of this protein are elevated during the early stages of the disease and can accurately predict the presence of amyloid plaques in PET scans.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJul 24, 2020

SNMMI Image of the Year: Super-agers show resistance to tau and amyloid accumulation

Research at SNMMI 2020 Annual Meeting found super-agers have lower tau and amyloid pathology associated with neurodegeneration. This enables them to maintain their cognitive skills even at advanced ages. The study suggests a potential pathway for successful aging and developing novel treatments to tackle age-related diseases.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJul 15, 2020

Simple molecular reagents to treat Alzheimer's disease

Researchers developed simple molecular reagents that can simultaneously target and modulate various pathogenic factors in Alzheimer's disease. The reagents displayed redox-dependent reactivities against free radicals, metal-free and metal-bound amyloid-beta, and led to chemical modifications that altered its aggregation.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 11, 2020

Molecule reduces multiple pathologies associated with Alzheimer's disease

Researchers developed a compound that significantly reduced amyloid plaques, lessened brain inflammation, and diminished molecular markers of Alzheimer's disease. The findings suggest that drugs targeting different regions of amyloid-beta protein fragments and metal ions could improve outcomes for people with Alzheimer's.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalACS Chemical Neuroscience·DateMay 7, 2020

Amyloid formation drives brain tissue loss in animal studies

A study published in eLife found that amyloid plaque formation directly causes brain tissue loss in animals, leading to progressive memory loss and loss of brain matter. However, lithium has been shown to reduce the life-shortening effects of this loss, suggesting a potential strategy to slow Alzheimer's disease progression.

SourceeLife·DateMar 31, 2020