Current ratings for: Gene found that 'protects against neurodegenerative diseases'

Public / Patient:

4.3 (3 votes)

Health Professionals:

5 (1 vote)

Scientists from the University of Queensland in Australia say they have discovered that a gene called mec-17 has the ability to protect against adult-onset progressive nerve degeneration. This is according to a study published in the journal Cell Reports.

The research team, led by Dr. Brent Neumann of the Queensland Brain Institute (QBI) at the University of Queensland, say their discovery may one day lead to a cure for a number of neurodegenerative diseases, such as motor neuron disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease and Alzheimer's disease.

To reach their findings, the investigators analyzed a small roundworm called Caenorhabditis elegans. They note that the roundworm is a genetic model commonly used to better understand neurobiology at a basic level.

From this, they discovered that mec-17 - a gene found among many species - protects axons, also known as nerve fibers. These are parts of the nerve cells, or neurons, that are responsible for conducting impulses between the cells.

The gene protects the axon by sustaining its cytoskeletal structure, say the investigators. This is made of proteins that maintain a nerve cell's shape, support and movement.

Continued here:
Gene found that 'protects against neurodegenerative diseases'

Comments are closed.