A Noncoding RNA May Drive Alzheimer's Disease

July, 10 2008 8:32

Scientists have found a molecular mechanism that may drive the progression of Alzheimer's disease. The mechanism, involving the enzyme Beta secretase 1 (BACE1), is described online in Nature Medicine, and could become a target for future therapeutic efforts. Upon exposure to amyloid-beta, the molecule that results from the activity of BACE1 and that accumulates in the amyloid plaques characteristic of Alzheimer's disease, expression of the noncoding RNA is enhanced, which increases the levels of BACE1 and generates additional amyloid-beta through a positive feedback loop.

Author contact:

Claes Wahlestedt (The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL, USA)
E-mail: clawah@scripps.edu

Abstract available online.

(C) Nature Medicine press release.

Message posted by: Trevor M. D'Souza

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