Researchers have identified a new mechanism that may contribute to Alzheimer’s disease and traumatic brain injury, hoping that the discovery may lead to effective treatment. According to researchers from Rutgers University, the causes of Alzheimer’s is unknown.
But a popular theory suggests a protein known as amyloid-beta slowly builds up a plaque in the brains of people with the disease. The research team looked at a new mechanism, which involves a non-amyloid-beta protein, a potassium channel referred to as KCNB1.
Under conditions of stress in a brain affected by Alzheimer’s, KCNB1 builds up and becomes toxic to neurons and then promotes the production of amyloid-beta.
The build-up of KCNB1 channels is caused by a chemical process commonly known as oxidation.
“Indeed, scientists have known for a long time that during aging or in neurodegenerative disease cells produce free radicals,” said co-author Federico Sesti, a professor at the varsity.
“Free radicals are toxic molecules that can cause a reaction that results in lost electrons in important cellular components, including the channels,” Sesti added.
The study found that in brains affected by Alzheimer’s, the build-up of KCNB1 was much higher compared to normal brains. (IANS)
