Researchers Move Closer to the First Drug Against Alzheimer's Disease
University of Chicago: a new AAP-based mAICD compound protected mice from Alzheimer's and is now being tested on animals with the condition already developed.
University of Chicago: a new AAP-based mAICD compound protected mice from Alzheimer's and is now being tested on animals with the condition already developed.
The University of Chicago has established that AAP, the precursor of the beta-amyloid protein (the main marker of Alzheimer's disease), can prevent the development of this neurodegenerative condition. This was proven by experiments with rodents. It turns out that individual fragments of AAP play an important role in supporting cognitive functions.
In particular, one part of AAP, when attached to the cell membrane, is involved in a signaling mechanism critical for forming new memories. Based on APP, scientists created a new compound called mAICD. It stood out for its ability to easily bind to cells. Raising the concentration of mAICD in the bodies of rodents predisposed to neurodegenerative disease protected the animals from illness. The compound is currently being tested on subjects in which the disease has already developed.
According to official statistics, Alzheimer's disease has been diagnosed in 26 million people worldwide. By 2050, this number could quadruple. Despite the widespread prevalence of the disease, doctors still have no effective treatment against it.
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