Small lab-made protein holds ‘huge promise’ for treating Alzheimer’s disease, scientists say

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A breakthrough with a new class of lab-made proteins “holds great promise” in boosting the body’s defenses against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease, according to a new study.

These lab-made protein polymers are known to be important in protecting against many debilitating neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Scientists say it can enhance the antioxidant response of.

What these diseases have in common is the accumulation of highly reactive ions and chemicals within cells, which stress tissues and organs.

The body’s natural antioxidant response is known to be the key to protection against so-called oxidative stress, which is a factor in many neurodegenerative diseases.

In the latest study, scientists focused on the interaction between Keap1/Nrf2, two proteins that play a role in the body’s antioxidant response.

In the lab, scientists developed a synthetic protein that blocks the interaction between Nrf2 and Keap1. This process, they claim, can reduce damage in such debilitating conditions.

“Over the past two decades, we have established Nrf2 as a key target for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, and this new approach to activating this pathway is important for disease-prone diseases,” said study co-author Jeffrey Johnson of the University of Wisconsin. We have high hopes for the development of modified therapies.” – said Madison.

Until now, conventional treatments using these types of synthetic small-molecule proteins have been inadequate due to the lack of stability and cellular uptake of these molecules.

Researchers are now developing these small polymers that mimic the body’s natural proteins, allowing them to penetrate into cells and remain stable and resistant to breakdown.

This new approach to inhibiting the Keap1/Nrf2 interaction “represents a major advance” that could enhance the body’s antioxidant response and provide a “powerful therapeutic strategy,” the researchers said.

“Through modern polymer chemistry, we can start thinking about mimicking complex proteins,” says Nathan Gianneschi, another author of the study.

“The promise is the development of new modalities for designing treatments. This could be a way to address diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, where traditional approaches have been difficult.” Dr. Gianneschi said.