kitty&mimi
07-23-2007, 11:50 AM
Scientists have moved a step closer to finding a cure for Alzheimer's, it has been revealed.
Biologists have developed a compound which has successfully prevented the disease killing brain cells, improving memory and learning ability that was already damaged.
The researchers at the University of St Andrews, working with scientists in the US, have developed man-made compounds capable of blocking a nerve cell interaction known to lead to the symptoms of the disease.
The results of the study - carried out in the laboratory using a model of the disease - have prompted the Alzheimer's Research Trust to help fund a further three years research.
Trust chief executive Rebecca Wood described the findings as "exciting".
"A drug that can stop Alzheimer's disease from killing brain cells is a holy grail for researchers working to overcome the devastating condition which affects more than 500,000 people in the UK," she said.
The number of sufferers is expected to double to more than one million with the general ageing of the population over the next generation.
Alzheimer's is linked to the build-up of amyloid protein, which eventually forms "senile plaques". The amyloid protein inflicts damage by interacting with an enzyme called Amyloid Beta Alcohol Dehydrogenase (ABAD) and releasing toxic substances which kill brain cells.
Researchers at St Andrews initially focused on developing the three-dimensional shape of ABAD and understanding how amyloid attaches itself to the structure.
Dr Frank Gunn-Moore, senior lecturer at the university's school of biology, said: "Alzheimer's sufferers produce too much amyloid and ABAD in their brains. "Based on our knowledge of ABAD, we produced an inhibitor that can prevent amyloid attaching to it in a living model."
Dr Gunn-Moore, who led the research, added: "We have shown that it is possible to reverse some of the signs associated with Alzheimer's disease.
"The work is now being continued to try and refine the inhibitor into a potential drug. Our research holds a possible key for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, particularly in its early stages."
Biologists have developed a compound which has successfully prevented the disease killing brain cells, improving memory and learning ability that was already damaged.
The researchers at the University of St Andrews, working with scientists in the US, have developed man-made compounds capable of blocking a nerve cell interaction known to lead to the symptoms of the disease.
The results of the study - carried out in the laboratory using a model of the disease - have prompted the Alzheimer's Research Trust to help fund a further three years research.
Trust chief executive Rebecca Wood described the findings as "exciting".
"A drug that can stop Alzheimer's disease from killing brain cells is a holy grail for researchers working to overcome the devastating condition which affects more than 500,000 people in the UK," she said.
The number of sufferers is expected to double to more than one million with the general ageing of the population over the next generation.
Alzheimer's is linked to the build-up of amyloid protein, which eventually forms "senile plaques". The amyloid protein inflicts damage by interacting with an enzyme called Amyloid Beta Alcohol Dehydrogenase (ABAD) and releasing toxic substances which kill brain cells.
Researchers at St Andrews initially focused on developing the three-dimensional shape of ABAD and understanding how amyloid attaches itself to the structure.
Dr Frank Gunn-Moore, senior lecturer at the university's school of biology, said: "Alzheimer's sufferers produce too much amyloid and ABAD in their brains. "Based on our knowledge of ABAD, we produced an inhibitor that can prevent amyloid attaching to it in a living model."
Dr Gunn-Moore, who led the research, added: "We have shown that it is possible to reverse some of the signs associated with Alzheimer's disease.
"The work is now being continued to try and refine the inhibitor into a potential drug. Our research holds a possible key for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, particularly in its early stages."