An enzyme that plays a key role in regulating inflammation has now been identified as a significant influencer of genes linked to neurodegeneration, particularly in relation to Alzheimer’s disease and the aging brain. Researchers from the University of New Mexico and the University of Tennessee conducted experiments using human tissue cultures, focusing on an enzyme called OTULIN.
When they inhibited OTULIN activity, they noticed a marked decrease in tau protein levels, which are closely associated with Alzheimer’s. In cases where the gene responsible for OTULIN was entirely removed, tau production ceased altogether without harming neuron health.
In their research, neurons from Alzheimer’s patients were compared to those from healthy donors. The study revealed that both OTULIN and tau were more prevalent in neurons from patients with the disease. Molecular geneticist Karthikeyan Tangavelou explained that targeting OTULIN to halt tau synthesis could potentially restore brain health and combat aging.
However, disrupting OTULIN as a treatment to slow brain aging poses challenges. Both OTULIN and tau are essential for various bodily functions, and any reduction in OTULIN must be approached carefully to prevent unintended damage. Tangavelou noted that further investigation is needed to understand OTULIN’s roles in different brain cell types.
While the findings are promising, they require further validation through animal and human studies. The research points toward new therapeutic avenues for treating Alzheimer’s by targeting the detrimental accumulation of tau. The study has been published in the journal Genomic Psychiatry.
Vocabulary List:
- Inflammation /ɪnˌflæməˈteɪʃən/ (noun): A biological response to harmful stimuli characterized by redness swelling and pain.
- Neurodegeneration /ˌnjʊəroʊˌdɛdʒəˈneɪʃən/ (noun): The progressive loss of structure or function of neurons which can lead to neurodegenerative diseases.
- Cessation /səˈseɪʃən/ (noun): The stopping of a process or action in this case the production of tau.
- Prevalent /ˈprɛvələnt/ (adjective): Widespread in a particular area or at a particular time.
- Therapeutic /ˌθɛrəˈpjuːtɪk/ (adjective): Relating to the healing of disease or disorders.
- Validation /ˌvælɪˈdeɪʃən/ (noun): The act of confirming or supporting the truth or legitimacy of something.
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