Protein engineering advancing Alzheimer’s research
Posted on 03/12/2015
Alzheimer’s disease, a lethal disease caused by damage to nerves in the brain that can’t be eliminated nowadays, is a nightmare for whole human. However, researchers have a breakthrough in biotechnology of proteins to find new ways that can solve the problem. By protein engineering, scientists have created the oligomer that triggers the disorder. The damage results from the peptide Aß, accumulating in the brain. The invention is to add a protein in the blood and this protein will bind to the Aß peptide. Thus, the Aß peptide bound by this specific protein will be harmless and the disease may be prevented. Another strategy is to stabilize the toxic oligomers that are reasons of nerve cell death and memory loss by a protein. In other words, they have to create a stable oligomer with the same toxic components and study them. In addition, they are investigating a vaccine against the disease. Scientists are paving the way for eradicating this terrible disease.
three-dimensional structure of the Aß-peptide (orange), which has been encased and neutralized by the Affibody protein developed by the scientists. Credit: Image courtesy of The Swedish Research Council
Comment: Although Alzheimer’s disease is hard to eradicate, scientists still try their best to solve it. This novel invention improves the step of curing the disease and offers different thought to treat this disease. By the protein engineering, we can produce stable and economical treatment in Alzheimer’s disease. The ultimate goal is to research vaccines that are affordable toward the world.
Reference:
sciencedaily.com/…009/10/091029151318.htm