New study visualises effect of Alzheimer’s in unprecedented detail

UK researchers have made a breakthrough in Alzheimer's research by visualising the disease's effect on the brain in unprecedented detail.

A team from the Medical Research Council (MRC) Laboratory of Molecular Biology have revealed the atomic structures of one of the two types of abnormal filaments that cause Alzheimer's disease for the first time ever.

The neurodegenerative condition is characterised by a prevalence of abnormal amyloid forms of protein that develop lesions in the brain, with tau protein creating filaments inside nerve cells and amyloid-beta protein forming external filaments.

As tau lesions appear to have a stronger correlation to the loss of cognitive ability in Alzheimer's, this study focused on using cryo-electron microscopy to calculate the structure of the filaments and deduce the arrangement of the atoms inside them.

Knowing the basic structure of these filaments in diseased tissue will make it easier for scientists to devise treatments to prevent their formation.

Dr Rob Buckle, chief science officer at the MRC, said: "This research opens up new possibilities to study a range of other diseases where the accumulation of abnormal protein filaments plays a role, including Parkinson's disease, motor neuron disease and prion diseases."

With over 20 years of experience within the science market, we at Zenopa have the knowledge, skills and expertise to help find the right job for you. To find out more about the current science roles we have available, you can search for the latest job roles, register your details, or contact the team today.