Scientists discover way to melt protein clumps before Alzheimer’s disease sets in

Scientists may have found a way to stop the damage caused by Alzheimer’s before it starts – by “melting” the tiny clumps of proteins that are the first triggers of the disease.

Alzheimer’s disease has long been associated with harmful fibrils of the tau protein that build up in the brain and interfere with cognitive function, but researchers have now discovered small, soft clumps that appear first.

When these first groups were dissolved, it prevented the formation of toxic fibrils, which could effectively block the disease, according to researchers at Tokyo Metropolitan University.

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Led by Professor Rei Kurita, the scientists used precise laboratory X-ray and fluorescence methods to find the microscopic “precursors,” which measured only tens of nanometers, according to a press release.

Because the tiny precursors were soft, the researchers were able to dissolve them. As a result, no tau fibrils were formed.

Scientists may have found a way to stop the damage caused by Alzheimer’s before it starts – by “melting” the tiny clumps of proteins that are the first triggers of the disease. (iStock)

These findings suggest a shift in how scientists might develop treatments for Alzheimer’s disease.

Rather than focusing on disrupting final fibril formations, new therapies could target the early, reversible precursor stage to prevent harmful structures from forming in the first place, according to the release.

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This strategy could potentially be applied to research into neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease.

The study had some limitations, primarily that it involved in vitro biochemical models and no humans or animals. It is not known whether similar reversible clusters exist in human brain tissue.

Alzheimer’s disease has long been associated with harmful tau protein fibrils that build up in the brain and interfere with cognitive function. (iStock)

More research is needed to find out whether breaking up these protein clumps is safe and could actually help treat the disease.

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Dr. Marc Siegel, Fox News’ senior medical analyst, was not involved in the study but shared his reactions to the results.

“There are three essential components structurally involved in the development of Alzheimer’s disease: beta-amyloid proteins, tau proteins, and neuroinflammation,” he told Fox News Digital.

“In the future, there will probably be triple therapy: anti-inflammatory, anti-beta-amyloid and anti-tau.”

“There are already treatments on the market to target beta-amyloid buildup, and now here is a targeted therapy to dissolve and disrupt tau buildup before it forms the dreaded neurofibrillatory tangles.”

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Siegel believes that this drug “is bound to have clinical value” and will likely be better tolerated than other drugs currently on the market.

“In the future, there will probably be a triple therapy: anti-inflammatory, anti-beta-amyloid and anti-tau,” he predicts.

“This is promising basic research that could deepen our understanding of the mechanisms behind the disease, but it is preliminary,” said one expert. (iStock)

Courtney Kloske, Ph.D., director of science engagement for the Alzheimer’s Association of Chicago, also reacted to the study in an interview with Fox News Digital.

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“This manuscript focuses on changing the structure of tau, one of the hallmark brain proteins involved in Alzheimer’s disease, and exploring approaches that may slow or stop the development of the disease,” said Kloske, who was also not involved in the study.

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“This is promising basic research that could deepen our understanding of the mechanisms behind the disease, but it is preliminary and additional studies are needed to determine how these results can be translated to human studies.”

Fox News Digital has contacted the researchers for comment.