neurodegeneration tagged posts

Top, from left: Dr. Wan Hee Yoon and Dr. Hugo Bellen. Bottom, from left: Dr. James R. Lupski and Dr. Michael F. Wangler.

An international team has discovered that the gene, OGDHL, a key protein required for normal function of the mitochondria – the energy-producing factory of the cell – and its chaperone, nardilysin (NRD1) are linked to progressive loss of neurological function in humans. Working with the fruit fly, an experimental animal model in the lab, the scientists found a mechanism by which misregulation of mitochondrial function leads to neurodegeneration. The results appear in Neuron.

“In our research we look for genes whose loss of function results in deterioration of neurological functions in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster,” said Dr...

Jennifer Lemon, Research Associate, Department of Biology, McMaster University. Credit: McMaster University

A dietary supplement containing a blend of 30 vitamins and minerals – all natural ingredients widely available in health food stores – has shown remarkable anti-aging properties that can prevent and even reverse massive brain cell loss, according to new research from McMaster University. It’s a mixture scientists believe could someday slow the progress of neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s, ALS and Parkinson’s.

The formula, which contains common ingredients such as vitamins B, C and D, folic acid, green tea extract, cod liver oil and other nutraceuticals, was first designed by scientists in McMaster’s Department of Biology in 2000...