Neurodegeneration News and Research

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Neurodegeneration is the umbrella term for the progressive loss of structure or function of neurons, including death of neurons.

CUMC researchers identify gene that appears to play major role in motor neuron degeneration in ALS

Columbia University Medical Center researchers have identified a gene, called matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), that appears to play a major role in motor neuron degeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. The findings, made in mice, explain why most but not all motor neurons are affected by the disease and identify a potential therapeutic target for this still-incurable neurodegenerative disease. The study was published today in the online edition of the journal Neuron.

23 Jan 2014

Researcher finds possible way to unravel misfolded proteins by reprogramming yeast protein

At the heart of brain diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease is protein misfolding, in which distorted proteins are unable to perform their normal functions. At present, there is no known way to reverse protein misfolding.

17 Jan 2014

THRIL could be novel biomarker for immune activation, potential target for inflammatory diseases

Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute scientists have discovered a new molecule that forms when certain white blood cells-macrophages-are stimulated in response to pathogens.

27 Dec 2013

NUS scientists open possible new route for treatment of spinal muscular atrophy

A recent study led by scientists from the National University of Singapore (NUS) opens a possible new route for treatment of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), a devastating disease that is the most common genetic cause of infant death and also affects young adults.

18 Dec 2013

Study: Brain blood vessel cells may be therapeutic targets for Alzheimer's disease

A study in mice shows how a breakdown of the brain's blood vessels may amplify or cause problems associated with Alzheimer's disease. The results published in Nature Communications suggest that blood vessel cells called pericytes may provide novel targets for treatments and diagnoses.

14 Dec 2013

Retrophin to acquire privately-held company, Kyalin Biosciences

Retrophin, Inc. today announced that it will acquire privately-held Kyalin Biosciences, Inc., an early-stage company based in San Diego, CA, that is developing therapies targeting the core symptoms of autism and related conditions.

12 Dec 2013

Retrophin signs agreement with Novartis for exclusive U.S. license for Syntocinon Nasal Spray

Retrophin, Inc. today announced that it has signed an agreement with Novartis Pharma AG for an exclusive U.S. license for Syntocinon Nasal Spray, the intranasal formulation of a synthetic version of the naturally occurring peptide hormone oxytocin, for an upfront payment of $5.0 million plus milestone payments and royalties.

12 Dec 2013

Mitochondrial enzyme SIRT5 regulates proteins involved in metabolism

The Sirtuin family of protein deacylases has received considerable attention in recent years due to its links to longevity, diabetes, cancer, and metabolic regulation.

12 Dec 2013

Scientists identify key factor for limiting inflammatory responses, particularly in skin

Sanford-Burnham scientists have identified the B and T Lymphocyte Attenuator (BTLA) inhibitory receptor as a key factor in limiting inflammatory responses, particularly in the skin. The study, published online today in Immunity, provides clarity on how T cells get fired up to protect against pathogens, and then cool down to restore immune homeostasis.

6 Dec 2013

Researchers take important step towards development of future drugs for brain diseases

A successful joint collaboration between researchers at the Hebrew university of Jerusalem and the startup company TyrNovo may lead to a potential treatment of brain diseases. The researchers found that TyrNovo's novel and unique compound, named NT219, selectively inhibits the process of aging in order to protect the brain from neurodegenerative diseases, without affecting lifespan. This is a first and important step towards the development of future drugs for the treatment of various neurodegenerative maladies.

4 Dec 2013

Mutation in alpha-synuclein gene causes increased vulnerability to pesticides, leading to Parkinson's

A team of researchers has brought new clarity to the picture of how gene-environmental interactions can kill nerve cells that make dopamine. Dopamine is the neurotransmitter that sends messages to the part of the brain that controls movement and coordination.

27 Nov 2013

Protecting or boosting neurotrophins may slow progression of Huntington's disease

A drug that acts like a growth-promoting protein in the brain reduces degeneration and motor deficits associated with Huntington's disease in two mouse models of the disorder, according to a study appearing November 27 in the Journal of Neuroscience. The findings add to a growing body of evidence that protecting or boosting neurotrophins - the molecules that support the survival and function of nerve cells - may slow the progression of Huntington's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.

27 Nov 2013

Inhibitor compounds could form basis of new treatments for such diseases as MRSA, anthrax

Inhibitor compounds developed by UC Irvine structural biologists and Northwestern University chemists have been shown to bolster the ability of antibiotics to treat deadly bacterial diseases such as MRSA and anthrax.

27 Nov 2013

Principal investigators at Nationwide Children's Hospital elected as AAAS Fellows

Brian K. Kaspar, PhD, and Veronica J. Vieland, PhD, principal investigators in The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, have been named Fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).

26 Nov 2013

Study investigates connections between sleep problems and neurodegenerative conditions

A new discovery may help explain the surprisingly strong connections between sleep problems and neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease.

26 Nov 2013

Researchers identify new mechanism that causes neurodegeneration

As we age, our body rhythms lose time before they finally stop. Breaking the body clock by genetically disrupting a core clock gene, Bmal1, in mice has long been known to accelerate aging , causing arthritis, hair loss, cataracts, and premature death.

26 Nov 2013

Multiple sclerosis researchers receive NMSS drug development grant

A $500,000 drug development grant from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society was awarded to a partnership between a multiple sclerosis research team at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and Karyopharm Therapeutics Inc., a clinical stage pharmaceutical company. Dr. Patrizia Casaccia, MD, PhD, Professor in the Departments of Neuroscience and Genetics and Genomics, at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, will be the academic lead.

21 Nov 2013

New biomarker predicts that concussion victims may have cognitive dysfunction following mTBI

A new blood biomarker correctly predicted which concussion victims went on to have white matter tract structural damage and persistent cognitive dysfunction following a mild traumatic brain injury.

20 Nov 2013

Scientists join patients to address Friedreich's Ataxia

The Spanish Federation of Ataxia (FEDAES)—in representation of the GENEFA Platform for a Friedreich's Ataxia cure—, the Babel Family association for biomedical research into Friedreich's Ataxia, the "Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa" (CMBSO), and the Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona) have signed an agreement through which these patients' associations will fund, by means of donations, a 3-year research project addressing Friedreich's Ataxia.

16 Nov 2013

Sanford-Burnham scientists receive grant to assess potential toxicity of large collections of chemicals

A bicoastal group of scientists at Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute (Sanford-Burnham) was recently awarded a three-year grant from the U.S. Department of the Air Force to assess the potential toxicity of large collections of chemicals.

13 Nov 2013

Neurodegeneration News and Research

Further Reading

CUMC researchers identify gene that appears to play major role in motor neuron degeneration in ALS

Researcher finds possible way to unravel misfolded proteins by reprogramming yeast protein

THRIL could be novel biomarker for immune activation, potential target for inflammatory diseases

NUS scientists open possible new route for treatment of spinal muscular atrophy

Study: Brain blood vessel cells may be therapeutic targets for Alzheimer's disease

Retrophin to acquire privately-held company, Kyalin Biosciences

Retrophin signs agreement with Novartis for exclusive U.S. license for Syntocinon Nasal Spray

Mitochondrial enzyme SIRT5 regulates proteins involved in metabolism

Scientists identify key factor for limiting inflammatory responses, particularly in skin

Researchers take important step towards development of future drugs for brain diseases

Mutation in alpha-synuclein gene causes increased vulnerability to pesticides, leading to Parkinson's

Protecting or boosting neurotrophins may slow progression of Huntington's disease

Inhibitor compounds could form basis of new treatments for such diseases as MRSA, anthrax

Principal investigators at Nationwide Children's Hospital elected as AAAS Fellows

Study investigates connections between sleep problems and neurodegenerative conditions

Researchers identify new mechanism that causes neurodegeneration

Multiple sclerosis researchers receive NMSS drug development grant

New biomarker predicts that concussion victims may have cognitive dysfunction following mTBI

Scientists join patients to address Friedreich's Ataxia

Sanford-Burnham scientists receive grant to assess potential toxicity of large collections of chemicals

Aneuro: A Year of Neuroscience in Review eBook

Achieving and maintaining ISO/IEC 27001 and BS 10012 certifications

Expanding research and clinical options for children with cancer

Examining how pain could play a direct protective role in the gut

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