Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, contributing to 60-70 % of the cases. It is an age-related disease, but many Western societies are ageing and Alzheimer’s is a growing problem. It is an incurable condition and our abilities to treat it are limited, but scientists are discovering new facts about Alzheimer’s mechanism.
Zebrafish study shows that some genetic mutations related to Alzheimer's disease might be linked to how oxygen is used in the cells to produce energy. Image credit: Quince Media via Wikimedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Link between Alzheimer's disease and cell metabolism
Researchers at the University of Adelaide have discovered that there might be a link between the mutated genes found in Alzheimer’s disease and the way cells produce energy. Understanding this link better could lead to new treatment methods that address the way cells make energy for brain functions. For now researchers believe that an energy shortage in some brain cells could be one of early drivers of Alzheimer’s disease.
Scientists chose zebrafish for this study and analysed their modelled gene mutations associated with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Cutting-edge gene technology and mathematical analysis allowed scientists to compare gene activity and pinpointed tiny differences between healthy zebrafish and Alzheimer’s models. Scientists found that some genetic Alzheimer’s disease mutations affect one of the most important functions in brain cells – the use of oxygen to generate energy. Other mutations had different effects – the mechanism of this neurodegenerative disease is complicated and widespread.
This is not entirely surprising, because scientists knew for quite some time that when Alzheimer’s disease develops some brain cells become deficient in energy production. However, this study and further confirmation with mouse models revealed that these energy production deficiencies are significant early drivers of Alzheimer’s disease in humans.
Practical implications of the research
Scientists believe that a better understanding of these processes could help them stop Alzheimer’s disease progression early on. Dr. Karissa Barthelson, lead researcher of the study, said: “Energy production is the most fundamentally important cellular activity supporting all other functions, particularly in highly active organs such as brains. If we can understand in detail what is going wrong with oxygen use and energy production, we may see ways of stopping the disease before it starts – and that would enormously benefit our ageing population”.
Alzheimer’s disease progresses quite rapidly once it starts. Scientists hope that they can find a way to stop its progression in its tracks. Even if it will not be a cure, it could halt its progression and preserve patients’ mental capacity for healthy ageing. Hopefully, understanding the energy production problems in early Alzheimer’s will lead to such therapy.
Source: University of Adelaide