Researchers have discovered a new type of protein aggregation in the brain that may contribute to Alzheimer's disease. It involves an accumulation of a protein called GRK2, which has been altered by a process called phosphorylation. This protein normally plays an important role in cell function and survival.
This GRK2 protein aggregation can lead to problems with the mitochondria, the power plants of our cells. Mitochondrial dysfunction is seen as a major factor in the onset and progression of Alzheimer's. Earlier research mainly focused on other protein accumulations such as amyloid-β and tau, but tackling these does not always prove effective.
Interestingly, reducing GRK2 accumulations improves brain function in mouse models of Alzheimer's. This suggests that new treatments targeting these protein aggregates could potentially be useful in better combating the disease. It shows that multiple processes are involved in Alzheimer's, which require further investigation.
For anyone focused on healthy ageing, this discovery highlights the importance of cellular and mitochondrial health. New insights into these processes could potentially lead to the development of better-targeted therapies in the future.
Source: Reason
