Release date: 2007-11-05
Scientists have long struggled to understand and treat neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, and sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. These conditions lead to the progressive loss of nerve cells, but their underlying causes remain largely unknown. However, a breakthrough study from the University of Michigan has uncovered a new potential link between a mysterious signaling molecule and the deterioration of neurons. The findings were recently published in the prestigious *Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences*.
In this research, led by Professor Louis Eisman and his team at the American College of Life Sciences, scientists identified a lipid molecule known as PI(3,5)P2 (phosphatidylinositol-3,5-diphosphate). This molecule is found in all cells, though it exists in very low concentrations. It plays a critical role in cellular communication, acting as a key signal that helps cells respond to changes in their environment.
The production of PI(3,5)P2 is regulated by two genes—FIG4 and VAC14—which are present not only in yeast but also in mammals, including humans. Researchers discovered that when these genes are defective or absent, it leads to severe neurological damage. In experiments with rats lacking the VAC14 gene, scientists observed significant neuronal degeneration, with brain tissue becoming sponge-like and filled with empty spaces. Similar results were seen in mice with mutations in the FIG4 gene.
According to Wisman, one of the researchers involved, PI(3,5)P2 is essential for maintaining the health of nerve cells. A decrease in its levels can lead to serious cell degradation. This discovery opens up new possibilities for understanding and treating neurodegenerative disorders, offering hope for future therapies targeting these devastating diseases.
— China Medicine 123 Network
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