Amyloid deposition, a process characterized by misfolded proteins assembling into oligomers and then into fibrils, is a common feature in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s (AD) and Parkinson’s (PD).
This process undergoes a transformation where misfolded monomers with more α-helix structures form into crosslinked β-sheet structures.
A potential strategy to slow or prevent the onset of these diseases involves targeting this toxic accumulation.
Research Overview: Using Electromagnetic Waves to Regulate Amyloid Deposition
In a study published in eLight, a group of scientists led by Professor Chao Chang from Peking University developed a technique to regulate and minimize amyloid deposition using a specific frequency.
A 2018 conjecture posited that the physical field of biological neural signals could be a high-frequency electromagnetic field, ranging from terahertz (THz) to infrared (IR), named a generalized THz electromagnetic (EM) wave.
This wave, shown to resonate with molecular populations and modify the hydrogen bonds formed within, could be harnessed to modulate the self-assembly process of amyloids and prevent undesirable protein aggregation.
The Study: Using THz Waves to Inhibit Amyloid Aggregation
Earlier research found that a light of 1,675cm-1 (50.25 THz) frequency could dissociate amyloid fibrils. However, this frequency has a significant thermal effect, thus weakening its regulatory efficiency in a physiological environment.
The team therefore focused on finding a nonthermal and efficient method to inhibit amyloid β (Aβ) aggregation.
Using Aβ as a model (notwithstanding the increasing research emphasis on the role of tau protein in AD), the scientists employed a quantum cascade laser (QCL) with a central frequency of 34.88 THz to irradiate the Aβ1-42 oligomers.
Through monitoring techniques, they found that this fibrosis process was significantly slowed compared to a group without an external field.
Conclusion: THz Waves as a Potential Strategy in Neurodegenerative Diseases
The study demonstrated that THz waves could potentially transform proteins from an ordered structure to a disordered one, with more β-sheet structures changing to coil and bend regions.
This finding, along with the detection of improved cell viability and slight increase in mitochondrial membrane potential, suggests that THz waves could be a promising strategy for delaying the amyloid fibrillation process, thus offering a potential pathway for managing neurodegenerative diseases.
If you care about Alzheimer’s, please read studies about Vitamin D deficiency linked to Alzheimer’s, vascular dementia, and Oral cannabis extract may help reduce Alzheimer’s symptoms.
For more information about brain health, please see recent studies about Vitamin B9 deficiency linked to higher dementia risk, and results showing flavonoid-rich foods could improve survival in Parkinson’s disease.
The study was published in eLight.
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