Alzheimer’s ‘cure’ drug could be closer after gene breakthrough on how disease spreads
Scientists find crucial marker along 'signature' gene sequence route
A DRUG to combat Alzheimer’s before it starts could be closer after a breakthrough on how the disease spreads.
Scientists at Cambridge studied 500 healthy brains and decoded the genes in areas that degenerate when the illness strikes.
They found a crucial marker along the route — a “signature” gene sequence that acts as a map to the path the disease takes in those who fall prey.
The medics say it opens the way to understanding the molecular origins of Alzheimer’s.
Professor Michele Vendruscolo, from the university, said: “We’ve tried to predict disease progression starting from healthy brains.
“If we can predict where and when neuronal damage will occur, then we will understand why certain brain tissues are vulnerable, and get a glimpse at the molecular origins of Alzheimer’s disease.”
Lead researcher Rosie Freer, from the university, said: “I hope that these results will help drug discovery efforts - that by illuminating the origins of disease vulnerability, there will be clearer targets for those working to cure Alzheimer’s disease.”
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Dr David Reynolds, Chief Scientific Officer at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “These findings suggest that our susceptibility to Alzheimer’s may not only be dictated by abnormal changes in the brain, but by how our brains are hardwired to react to those changes.
“For many years scientists have been trying to understand why some parts of the brain appear more vulnerable to Alzheimer’s and these results point towards a biological explanation.
“This study only focuses on healthy brains, but reveals a signature of proteins in certain areas of the brain that could predict susceptibility to the build-up of hallmark Alzheimer’s proteins later in life.
“Understanding the molecular mechanisms that underpin susceptibility to diseases like Alzheimer’s has the potential to open the door to new treatment and prevention approaches.
“Building a complete picture of the biology driving a complex disease like Alzheimer’s gives scientists the best chance of developing effective treatments against it.”