ST LOUIS: Researchers have identified a promising new target in the battle against certain neurological diseases. A protein known as TREM2 has been proven effective in clearing away unwanted debris in the brain, the unchecked buildup of which can lead to both Alzheimer’s disease and multiple sclerosis (MS).
Earlier research has suggested that variants of the TREM2 protein are related to neurological diseases, such as dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Located in brain cells called microglia, the protein carries out the task of maintaining and repairing the body’ central nervous system, leading researchers to think it could function as a trigger in treating such conditions.
Scientists at the Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis undertook two independent studies exploring the ability of the TREM2 protein to keep the brain free of debris.
The first investigated its ability to treat Alzheimer’s. One of the contributing factors to the onset of this condition is the buildup of brain plaques, which are made up of proteins known as amyloid beta. These proteins are meant to be cleared away naturally, but when they are able to accumulate they can cause damage to the synapses and result in symptoms like memory loss…