14 DAY TRIAL // In a new scientific study, researchers managed to identify a new protein, which essentially acts as a “traffic policeman” inside nerve cells, directing and rerouting electrical signals,
The discovery of this small molecules could have very important implications for experts conducting research into finding new therapies for diseases such as Huntington's, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.
In all of these conditions, as well as within other forms of dementia, brain cells degenerate with old age, promoting a rise in the number of instances when nerve cells misfire.
As far as symptoms go, this causes significant cognitive impairment, the loss of certain abilities in the brain, as well as mild to severe memory decline.
The protein MEC-17 has recently been determined to play an important part in creating marks on microtubules, which are tiny tubes located inside neurons.
These structures are critical for the functioning of the neuron, by acting like pathways on which nutrients, proteins and waists flow to their respective destinations.
What MEC-17 does through its mark is tell the neurons which proteins they should allow to pass through the cellular membrane, and also in what direction. The latter condition is extremely important.
It catches on ever deeper meanings when considering that the tiny tubes play a crucial role in nerve cell growth, as well as passing on the signals that neurons send to each other.
“Any drugs that modulate transport along microtubules could have uses in neurodegenerative diseases,” explains scientist Jacek Gaertig, who contributed to the new study.
“Neurodegenerative diseases are associated with impaired transport inside nerve cells,” he added in an interview for MyHealthNewsDaily.
The expert holds an appointment as a professor at the University of Georgia.
He believes that now, since the actions and pathways of MEC 17 are known, researchers could easily develop drugs to enhance or reduce its activity levels.
This could contribute to regulating the molecular flow through neurons, which may in turn delay the onset of various forms of dementia, including Alzheimer's.
Given that large number of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's patients, and the costs associated with taking care of them, this may be an important achievement.