Toxic RNAs, the Hidden Cause of Neuronal Death in Alzheimer’s Disease Uncovered
Northwestern Medicine’s new study suggests that RNA interfering may be a major factor in Alzheimer’s. Scientists have for the first time identified short strands toxic RNAs which contribute to brain cells dying and DNA damage. This is true in Alzheimer’s disease and old brains. Scientists report that short strands protective RNAs decrease with age, which could allow Alzheimer’s disease to develop.
The study found that individuals who have a better memory (known as SuperAgers), also had higher levels of protective short RNA in their brains. SuperAgers, individuals 80 years and older who have a memory of 20-30 years younger.
Marcus Peter, Tom D. Spies professor of cancer metabolism at Northwestern University Feinberg school of medicine and the study’s corresponding author, said: \”Nobody had ever linked the activities of RNAs with Alzheimer’s.\” We found that the balance of toxic and protective sRNAs in aging brain cell shifts towards toxic ones.
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Toxic RNAs: The Hidden Cause of Neuron Death in Alzheimer’s Uncovered