2 June 2008
Dundee scientists closer to understanding ‘tangle formation’ in Alzheimer’s disease
Scottish researchers, funded by the Alzheimer’s Research Trust, have
identified an enzyme whose activity impacts upon the development of the
clumps and tangles that form in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s
disease.
Dr Calum Sutherland and colleagues at the University of Dundee’s Ninewells
Medical School have identified an enzyme that can partially reverse the
process that causes the abnormal structures of a protein called CRMP2. CRMP2
has a key role in the development of the tangles seen in Alzheimer’s
disease.
The latest findings from the research have been published in the Journal of
Biological Chemistry.
Dr Calum Sutherland said, "One of the hardest tasks in Alzheimer’s research
is finding the abnormal biochemical pathways among the cascade of reactions
taking place in the healthy brain, and working out how to repair them
without causing unwanted side effects."
"The enzyme we have identified is an important enzyme in many cell processes
so it is unlikely that low activity of this enzyme alone causes Alzheimer’s
disease. Rather, the new work highlights part of the natural process that
could be harnessed to fully reverse the abnormal CRMP2 structure."
"If drugs could be developed that activate this, or associated enzymes, then
they should reverse the abnormal structure of CRMP2 and hopefully slow down
the development of tangles in the brain."
Rebecca Wood, Chief Executive of the Alzheimer’s Research Trust, said,
"Findings like these are crucial to our understanding of Alzheimer’s. A
better understanding of the changes that occur in the brain at the onset of
Alzheimer’s and how the disease progresses, could enable scientists to
develop effective treatments for slowing or stopping the disease process."
"With 700,000 people in the UK living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias,
we desperately need to find an effective treatment to help these people and
their families."
Dr Sutherland and other top Scottish scientists will be explaining dementia
to the public in Dundee on Tuesday 3rd June at Ninewells Medical School
between 6.30 and 8.30pm.
For further information or to speak to the Alzheimer’s Research Trust’s
Chief Executive Rebecca Wood, please contact the charity’s Press and Public
Affairs Officer Andrew Scheuber on 01223 843304 or email
press@alzheimers-research.org.uk.
Notes to editors
- The Alzheimer's Research Trust provides free information on
Alzheimer's disease and related dementias: phone 01223 843899 or visit
www.alzheimers-research.org.uk. The charity is the UK’s leading research
charity for dementia and relies solely on public donations to fund its
research.
- Earlier this year, Terry Pratchett donated $1 million (Ł500,000) to
the Alzheimer’s Research Trust.
- A recent YouGov poll, commissioned by the Alzheimer’s Research
Trust, found that 47% of all Scots - 2.4 million people - know a close
friend, family member or someone else with dementia.
- YouGov/ART Survey Results - 2078 people were polled across the UK on
19th April-1st May 2008. 35% of Scottish respondents know a family member,
2% a close friend, and 10% someone else close to them with dementia. Results
were weighted to be nationally representative
- There are currently over 700,000 people with Alzheimer’s in the UK,
and more than 65,000 in Scotland, a number predicted to double within a
generation.
- Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia, accounting
for around two thirds of dementia in the elderly. There is not yet a cure.
Andrew Scheuber
Press and Public Affairs Officer
Alzheimer's Research Trust, the UK's leading research charity for dementia.
The Stables, Station Road, Gt Shelford, Cambridge CB22 5LR
Switchboard: 01223 843899 Press office: 01223 843304 Fax: 01223 843325
Mobile: 07748 272171
Registered charity no. 1077089
http://www.alzheimers-research.org.uk.
For media enquiries contact:
Roddy Isles
Head, Press Office
University of Dundee
Nethergate
Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384910
E-MAIL: r.isles@dundee.ac.uk
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