Cardiovascular Proteins Tied to Severity of Alzheimer's
Their interaction cuts blood flow to brain, limiting its ability to shed plaques
MONDAY, Dec. 22 (HealthDay News) --
The proteins -- SRF (serum response factor) and myocardin -- lessen blood flow in the brain and reduce the rate at which the brain is able to remove amyloid beta, the protein that accumulates in damaging quantities in the brains of Alzheimer's patients, say a team from the
The findings provide firm evidence directly linking two processes believed to play a role in Alzheimer's: a reduction in blood flow and a buildup of toxic amyloid beta. The interaction between the two proteins could prove an effective target for treatment.
The researchers said they were surprised to discover that two proteins known for their role in the cardiovascular system were major factors in the development of Alzheimer's disease.
The study was published online Dec. 21 in the journal Nature Cell Biology.