Protein Morphs Neurodegenerative Disease

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Protein Morphs Neurodegenerative Disease

– Reported, July 02, 2013

 

(Ivanhoe Newswire) – New research from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania demonstrated how the protein alpha-synuclein can shift into different strains causing variations in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. The protein, which is known for forming sticky clumps in the neurons of Parkinson’s disease patients, seems to evolve and can fold its shape as it passes between cells.

This shape-shifting protein could explain why these neurodegenerative diseases affect each individual differently and researchers hope this could lead to new treatments. “What we’ve found opens up new areas for developing therapies, and particularly immunotherapies,” Virginia Lee, Ph.D., M.B.A., Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and Director of the Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, was quoted as saying.

SOURCE: Cell, July 2013