A Potentially Useful New Finding in the Biochemistry of Amyloid- β

The research quoted below is illustrative of a great deal of investigation into Alzheimer's disease and related amyloid biochemistry. There is a vast depth of detail remaining to be explored, even in areas thought to be comparatively well-mapped. While much of that exploration is business as usual, leading to expected destinations and anticipated confirmations, there is always the chance of upheaval, as might be the case here. Alzheimer's disease, like many neurodegenerative conditions, is characterized by the aggregation of solid deposits of misfolded or otherwise altered proteins in brain tissue: amyloid-β and phosphorylated tau. Once established, these deposits generate a complicated halo of surrounding biochemistry that is harmful to brain cells and their activities. In fact, pretty much everything to do with Alzheimer's disease is ferociously complex and nowhere near as well understood as researchers would like it to be. Most efforts in Alzheimer's disease are presently directed towards ways to safely remove amyloid-β, with programs aiming to remove tau also underway. Removal has the advantage of needing less progress towards complete understanding of the biochemistry of the aged, diseased brain. Unfortunately even this shortcut has proven to be far more challenging than hoped. The past decade is littered with failed efforts to remove amyloid in the immunotherapy space, for example. Only very recently has success of any sort been demonstrated in human patients. ...
Source: Fight Aging! - Category: Research Authors: Tags: Medicine, Biotech, Research Source Type: blogs