Alzheimer’s disease may occur due to accumulation of neurexin protein

Alzheimer’s disease may occur due to the accumulation of a fragment of the synaptic protein neurexin, which provokes specific memory loss. This, as reported by Doctor Piter, is stated in a study by the Institute of Biomedicine of Seville.

“In behavioral studies, it has been observed that the accumulation of this protein leads to the loss of associative memory, which depends on the amygdala of the brain,” said one of the leaders of the study, a senior researcher at the Institute of Biomedicine of Seville, Amalia Martinez Mir.

Researchers from the University of Seville obtained experimental data on mice.

Several tests were envisaged. In the square arena study, mice moved around in an open area for 15 minutes. Scientists recorded how many meters they walked and how long the mice were in the central part of the arena. Animal care was also assessed. The mice were placed in a clean cage without bedding: here it was important to estimate the time they spent on self-care and the number of “approaches” in 10 minutes. The researchers were also interested in the social interaction of mice, fear and the ability to pass the maze. All of these abilities were markedly affected in mice with accumulated protein.

“According to the study, the accumulation of neurexin, which is known in scientific circles as NrxnCTF, occurs in cases of mutation in the presenilin genes,” explained Amalia Martinez Mir. “They are responsible for the hereditary forms of Alzheimer’s.”

Theoretically, scientists can develop an algorithm or a drug that will stop the accumulation process. In this case, there will be a chance to stop and prevent the disease.