Alzheimer’s disease tagged posts

Authors of the new study included The Scripps Research Institute’s (left to right) Research Associate Ze Liu, Research Associate Yunchao Gai and Chair of the Department of Neuroscience Ron Davis. Credit: Photo courtesy of The Scripps Research Institute.

While research has identified 100s of genes required for normal memory formation, genes that suppress memory are of special interest because they offer insights into how the brain prioritizes and manages all of the information, including memories, that it takes in every day. These genes also provide clues new treatments for cognitive disorders eg, Alzheimer’s disease. TSRI scientists have identified a unique memory suppressor gene in the brain cells of Drosophila fruit fly, a widely recognized substitute for human memory studies.

Davis et a...

Cornell researchers found that an FDA-approved drug called Lexiscan activates receptors — called adenosine receptors — that are expressed on BBB cells. Credit: Dr. Margaret Bynoe, College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University

Cornell researchers have discovered a way to penetrate the blood brain barrier (BBB) that may soon permit delivery of drugs directly into the brain to treat disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and chemotherapy-resistant cancers. The BBB is a layer of endothelial cells that selectively allow entry of molecules needed for brain function, such as amino acids, oxygen, glucose and water, while keeping others out. An FDA-approved drug, Lexiscan activates adenosine receptors – that are expressed on these BBB cells.

“We can open the BBB for a brief window of time, lo...

Engram cell in AD mouse — This image depicts a single memory engram cell (green) in the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) region of a mouse model of early Alzheimer’s disease. To optically manipulate specific connections to these engram cells, a blue light-sensitive protein oChIEF was expressed in an upstream brain region, i.e., medial entorhinal cortical inputs (red) to the DG. The majority of DG granule cells were not active during engram labeling (blue, non-engram cells). Credit: Image courtesy of RIKEN

The rescue of memories, which changed both the structure of neurons as well as the behavior of mice, was achieved using optogenetics, a method for manipulating genetically tagged cells with precise bursts of light...

Blue indicates the location of the tiny locus coeruleus within the brainstem. (Photo/Shutterstock.com)

The locus coeruleus region of the brain is essential for maintaining cognitive function as a person ages, but is vulnerable to toxins and infection. The locus coeruleus is a small, bluish part of the brainstem that releases norepinephrine, the neurotransmitter responsible for regulating heart rate, attention, memory, and cognition. Its cells, or neurons, send branch-like axons throughout much of the brain and help regulate blood vessel activity. Its high interconnectedness may make it more susceptible to the effects of toxins and infections compared to other brain regions.

Prof...