Master regulating protein 'significant in Alzheimer's'RSS Feed

Scientists believe that a protein could hold the key to a breakthrough in Alzheimer's treatment.

The protein EphB2, which researchers believe to be a master regulator of the brain, was found to dramatically reduce Alzheimer's symptoms in mice.

Researchers at the Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease in San Francisco artifically boosted levels of the protein in mice with brain injury echoing Alzheimer's in humans.

When levels of the chemical were increased, Alzheimer's symptoms were completely removed.

"We think that blocking amyloid proteins from binding to EphB2, and enhancing EphB2 levels or functions with drugs might be of benefit in Alzheimer's disease," said Dr Lennart Mucke, the study leader.

However, experts have warned that replicating the effect in humans may not be simple and will need much more research.

Meanwhile, researchers at John Hopkins Children's Center found that the level of glial fibrillary acidic protein can predict brain injury and death in critically ill children.

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Posted by Timothy Walters
 

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