Cause of Alzheimer’s disease traced to mutation in common enzyme

Cause of Alzheimer's disease traced to mutation in common enzyme
The mutant MARK4 creates a form of tau which accumulates easily in brain cells, causing neurons to die. Credit: Tokyo Metropolitan University

Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University have discovered a new mechanism by which clumps of tau protein are created in the brain, killing brain cells and causing Alzheimer’s disease. A specific mutation to an enzyme called MARK4 changed the properties of tau, usually an important part of the skeletal structure of cells, making it more likely to aggregate and more insoluble. Getting to grips with mechanisms like this may lead to breakthrough treatments.

Alzheimer’s disease is a life-changing, debilitating condition,…

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