Kibra Protein discovery important for Alzheimer's
A new study has confirmed that the Kibra protein is an essential part of the encoding of memory - an important development for Alzheimer's research.
Previously established as a link between memory and protection against Alzheimer's, the protein has now been proven to be an important part of brain circuitry in a study conducted on mice.
"Our studies in mice show that [the Kibra protein] is involved in the operation of synapses, through which neurons communicate, and in brain plasticity, suggesting that's what its role might be in humans too," stated Richard L. Huganir, professor and director of the Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
The discovery confirms that the addition of AMPA receptors to synapses serve to strengthen the connections in the brain.
This research could prove vital in combating Alzheimer's disease, which shrinks and reduces the number of nerve fibres in the brain.
The disease also attacks brain chemicals, specifically acetylcholine.
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