Genetic Basis of Brain Diseases: Set of Proteins Account for Over 130 Brain Diseases

[HuckleB]

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101219140817.htm

"Scientists have isolated a set of proteins that accounts for over 130 brain diseases, including diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, epilepsies and forms of autism and learning disability. The team showed that the protein machinery has changed relatively little during evolution, suggesting that the behaviors governed by and the diseases associated with these proteins have not changed significantly over many millions of years. The findings open several new paths toward tackling these diseases.

In research published Dec. 19, the researchers studied human brain samples to isolate a set of proteins that accounts for over 130 brain diseases. The paper also shows an intriguing link between diseases and the evolution of the human brain.

Brain diseases are the leading cause of medical disability in the developed world according to the World Health Organisation and the economic costs in the USA exceeds $300 billion.

The brain is the most complex organ in the body with millions of nerve cells connected by billions of synapses. Within each synapse is a set of proteins, which, like the components of an engine, bind together to build a molecular machine called the postsynaptic density -- also known as the PSD. Although studies of animal synapses have indicated that the PSD could be important in human diseases and behaviour, surprisingly little was known about it in humans.

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Well, I found it to be quite interesting, as well as another step forward in terms of knowledge.

:toast:

[anamandujano]

1. Thank you for the thread

I know several elderly that are plagued with Alz and Parkinson's. Some of my mother's friends have already died from Alz. It is thrilling beyond belief to hear that researchers may be getting a handle on this stuff.

[HuckleB]

4. You're welcome, and I concur! -eom-

[Leftist Agitator]

2. This is wonderful news!

I sincerely hope that this research leads to a cure for autism. Despite the overbearing "autistic pride" movement that has gained traction of late, it is a horrible, horrible disorder that leaves all too many of its victims utterly incapable of dealing with the rest of society on said society's terms.

I really hope that this results in a cure for autism. Too many people have been stricken with the autistic curse, and it would be incomparably excellent to see it eradicated in my lifetime.

[earth mom]

3. Huge K & R! This is what I call TRUE hope and perhaps change too someday!

:kick: