New mechanism adds to understanding of Alzheimer's causes

Age-related changes in gene enhancers have been linked to faster cognitive decline in Alzheimer's brains.

New findings identify a mechanism that accelerates aging in the brain and gives rise to Alzheimer's disease.

The findings center on “enhancers”, which turn the activity of genes up or down based on influences like aging and environmental factors. Comparing enhancers in brain cells of people at varying stages of Alzheimer's and healthy people has revealed that in normal aging, there is a progressive loss of important epigenetic marks on enhancers. This loss is accelerated in the brains of people with Alzheimer's.

These enhancers also over-activate a suite of genes involved in Alzheimer's pathology, spurring the formation of plaques and tangles, and reactivating the cell cycle in fully formed cells — a highly toxic combination.

The study also links enhancer changes to the rate of cognitive decline in Alzheimer's patients.

https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2019-05/vari-rtc051719.php

Reference:

[4453] Li, P., Marshall L., Oh G., Jakubowski J. L., Groot D., He Y., et al.
(2019). Epigenetic dysregulation of enhancers in neurons is associated with Alzheimer’s disease pathology and cognitive symptoms.
Nature Communications. 10(1), 1 - 14.

alzheimers causes

Alzheimers

Related News

How inflammation and hypoxia damage the brain

A new study shows that a combination of inflammation and hypoxia activates microglia in a way that persistently weakens the connection between

APP found to also be involved in neurogenesis

A new function has been found for the

One reason for cognitive problems in schizophrenia & Alzheimer’s

New findings support a mathematical model predicting that the slow, steady firing of neurons in the d

Are sleep problems a key factor in Alzheimer’s?

I reported a few months ago on some evidence of a link between disturbed sleep and the development of Alzheimer’s. Now a mouse study adds to this evidence.

Genes, brain size, brain atrophy, and Alzheimer’s risk

Genetic analysis of 9,232 older adults (average age 67; range 56-84) has implicated four genes in how fast your

Alzheimer's protein may impair mental function even in healthy adults

Another study adds to the evidence that changes in the brain that may lead eventually to Alzheimer’s begin many years before Alzheimer’s is diagnosed.

Discovery of more risky genes reveals more about the paths to Alzheimer’s

I commonly refer to ApoE4 as the ‘Alzheimer’s gene’, because it is the main genetic risk factor, tripling the risk for getting Alzheimer's. But it is not the only risky gene.

High iron, copper levels block neuron repair

A new study finds out why curcumin might help protect against dementia, and links two factors associated with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases: DNA damage by reactive oxygen species (ROS), and excessive levels of copper and iron in parts of the brain.

Vascular disease underlies cognitive decline in healthy aging

More evidence that vascular disease plays a crucial role in age-related cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s comes from data from participants in the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative.

How the Alzheimer’s gene works; implications for treatment

Carriers of the so-called ‘Alzheimer’s gene’ (apoE4) comprise 65% of all Alzheimer's cases. A new study helps us understand why that’s true.

Pages