Researchers from the University of Gothenburg and their US colleagues have made a significant breakthrough in understanding how Alzheimer’s disease progresses. The study, published in Nature Medicine, provides new insights into how a specific protein called tau transforms into thread-like strands that contribute to the development of the disease.
Tau is a key player in Alzheimer’s disease, forming small aggregates in nerve cells that can spread to other brain cells. These changes eventually lead to the formation of larger, harmful fibrils. The researchers found that two specific amino acids, serine-262 and serine-356, play a crucial role in this process.
The study suggests that targeting these areas could be an effective way to develop new treatments for Alzheimer’s disease. The findings also provide a new biomarker that can help measure the effect of treatment on patients’ brains. This breakthrough has significant implications for the development of new drugs, including those already approved, such as lecanemab and donanemab.
The study’s lead author, Tohidul Islam, notes that their research provides valuable insights into how tau pathology spreads in the brain. The findings offer hope for developing new treatments to complement existing medications, which target the accumulation of beta-amyloid protein in the brain.
Source: https://www.news-medical.net/news/20250211/Breakthrough-discovery-on-tau-protein-opens-new-paths-for-Alzheimere28099s-drug-development.aspx