Protein linked to Alzheimer's plays critical role in brain development.Byline: ANI Washington, Oct 19 (ANI): The amyloid precursor protein Amyloid precursor protein (APP) is an integral membrane protein expressed in many tissues and concentrated in the synapses of neurons. Its primary function is not known, though it has been implicated as a regulator of synapse formation[2] and neural plasticity. , or APP, associated with the development of Alzheimer's disease Alzheimer's disease (ăls`hī'mərz, ôls–), degenerative disease of nerve cells in the cerebral cortex that leads to atrophy of the brain and senile dementia. , has also been found to play a critical role in brain development, say researchers. The study led by Georgetown University Medical Center Georgetown University Medical Center (GUMC) is the medical campus at Georgetown University. It is co-located with Georgetown University Hospital on the University's main campus in Washington, DC. scientists suggests that a balance of APP is critical. Abeta is one of many proteins found to be associated with the disease. It is released when APP, a larger protein, is cut by several enzymes. This occurs when APP is abnormally processed, possibly due to trauma, cholesterol levels or oxidative stress. When Abeta is released, it can form plaque, a contributing factor in AD. Thus, Abeta and APP are involved in the early process of AD development. APP is also known to be present at the synapses between neurons though its molecular action is not understood. Synapse synapse (sĭn`ăps), junction between various signal-transmitter cells, either between two neurons or between a neuron and a muscle or gland. A nerve impulse reaches the synapse through the axon, or transmitting end, of a nerve cell, or neuron. loss is thought to be one of the main contributors to the cognitive decline seen in AD. Previous studies have shown that the importance of synapses and dendritic spines, the protrusions that allow communication between brain neurons, in learning and memory. In this new research, scientists found decreased spine density in mice that have been genetically modified to not produce APP. The scientists then looked at four-week-old mice that over produced APP and found a significant increase in spine density. After one year, however, these mice have Abeta plaques, as well as a decrease in spine density due to the effect of Abeta, which is known to be neurotoxic neurotoxic pertaining to or emanating from a neurotoxin. neurotoxic state a case of poisoning by a neurotoxin. neurotoxic adjective . "Our work suggests that APP balance is critical for normal neuronal development, connection of synapses, and dendritic spine development, all of which have implications for the extensive synapse loss and cognitive decline seen in Alzheimer's disease," said the study's author, Dr Hyang-Sook Hoe, a research scientist in the department of neuroscience. "One strategy to counteract development of Alzheimer's disease is to maintain balance in APP protein expression in order to prevent production of Abeta," Hoe added. The study was presented at 39th annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience For other uses, see SFN (disambiguation). The Society for Neuroscience (SfN) is a professional society for basic scientists and physicians around the world whose research is focused on the study of the brain and nervous system. . (ANI) Copyright 2009 Asian News International The Asian News International (ANI) agency provides multimedia news to China and 50 bureaus in India. It covers virtually all of South Asia since its foundation and presently claims, on its official website, to be the leading South Asia-wide news agency. (ANI) - All Rights Reserved. Provided by Syndigate.info an Albawaba.com company |
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