2024-04-25 15:34:00
As a result of this study, scientists from the Wim Annaert laboratory (VIB-KU Leuven) in Belgium discovered that a specific protein fragment called APP-CTF, which is an amyloid precursor, can disrupt the process of eliminating “waste cells” of the brain, which precedes neuronal dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease. These results were published in the journal Developmental Cell (DevCell).
Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by a progressive loss of cognitive functions, memory problems and behavioral changes. In the scientific community, it is believed that this occurs due to the accumulation of toxic proteins (β-amyloid), products of the breakdown of amyloid precursor protein (APP), in the brain.
These fragments begin to accumulate in neurons in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, before the first symptoms appear.
A new study found that APP-CTF might trigger even earlier latent manifestations of Alzheimer’s disease.
Scientists say that these protein fragments are toxic to neurons and that their accumulation in the brain during the elimination and production of APP protein molecules (which play an important role in forming connections between neurons) disrupts the process of removing “cellular waste” from the brain. brain.
The accumulation of APP-CTF fragments leads to dysfunctions of lysosomes, the “trash cans” of neurons, which disrupts their calcium balance. This leads to a buildup of cholesterol in lysosomes and a decrease in their ability to break down cellular waste.
According to scientists, this pathology plays a key role in the neuronal dysfunction of Alzheimer’s disease.
Scientists hope that their discovery will contribute to the development of new methods to combat this disease. They suggest that stimulating the correct elimination of toxic fragments of APP-CTF might prevent Alzheimer’s disease well before symptoms appear.
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