A Protective Mechanism Against Neuronal Death In Alzheimer's
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Researchers have uncovered a natural protective mechanism against neuronal death in Alzheimer's and similar neurodegenerative diseases. They discovered that a particular enzyme snips apart the abnormal tangles of protein called tau that are associated with cognitive decline; The enzyme, called PSA, may prove to be a promising drug target.

FINDINGS:UCLA researchers have uncovered what appears to be a natural protective mechanism against a central cause of neuronal death in Alzheimer's and similar neurodegenerative diseases. They discovered that a particular enzyme snips apart the abnormal tangles of protein called tau that are associated with cognitive decline and neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's and similar diseases.

IMPACT:The study suggests it may be possible to use drugs to enhance that mechanism and alleviate the pathology of Alzheimer's and similar diseases.