Alzheimer’s disease is a serious brain disorder that affects millions of people around the world.
It slowly destroys memory and thinking skills and is one of the leading causes of dementia. But scientists may have found a new clue in the fight against this disease.
Researchers from Fudan University in Shanghai have discovered that a special protein called TRPM7 could play an important role in Alzheimer’s.
This protein helps cells stay healthy by controlling important functions, like how they respond to signals and manage energy. It acts as both an ion channel and an enzyme, meaning it does two important jobs inside cells.
One of the key problems in Alzheimer’s is the buildup of sticky proteins called amyloid-β. These proteins form clumps, or plaques, in the brain. They block communication between brain cells and lead to memory loss and confusion. The researchers found that when TRPM7 doesn’t work properly, more of these harmful amyloid-β plaques form.
In brain samples from people with Alzheimer’s and from mice with similar brain problems, TRPM7 levels were much lower than normal. This led the scientists to wonder if boosting TRPM7 might help.
To test this idea, they did experiments on mice that were likely to develop Alzheimer’s-like symptoms. When they increased the levels of TRPM7 in these mice, they saw that brain connections improved, and the mice’s memory got better.
The researchers also discovered that the enzyme part of TRPM7 activates another protein called MMP14. This protein helps break down and remove the harmful amyloid-β from the brain.
This is an exciting finding because it shows that TRPM7 could help reduce the damage caused by amyloid-β and possibly slow down the effects of Alzheimer’s.
However, scientists also point out that amyloid-β is only part of the picture. Another protein called tau, which forms tangles in the brain, is also known to play a role in the disease. Alzheimer’s might be caused by a mix of problems, not just one.
Even so, this new research is a big step forward. Alzheimer’s is already costing hundreds of billions of dollars every year in the U.S. alone, and it could become even more common as the population gets older. The World Health Organization warns that by 2050, the disease might overwhelm healthcare systems around the world.
The study, led by researcher Shimeng Zhang, brings hope. It shows that changing TRPM7 levels could help protect the brain and improve memory. But more work is needed to understand how this protein interacts with other factors in Alzheimer’s and to see if this treatment could help humans.
If you’re interested in Alzheimer’s disease, other studies suggest that unhealthy habits could raise the risk, while a new drug may offer treatment hope. Researchers are also studying new warning signs of Alzheimer’s and how some brain issues may raise the risk of stroke.
This new study was published in the journal Science Signaling.
If you care about Alzheimer’s disease, please read studies about New Alzheimer’s treatment: anti-inflammatory drug may prevent memory loss and findings of The diabetes drug surprise: a possible shield against Alzheimer’s?
For more about brain health, please read studies about Scientists find connection between fungus and Alzheimer’s disease and findings of Scientists find links between COVID-19 and Alzheimer’s disease.
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