Science
According to a recent report in authoritative scientific sources, scientists are one step closer to finding the causes of Alzheimer's disease. More recently, it has been found that the number of genes associated with Alzheimer's disease is not four, but eight (including genes located in the so-called MS4A gene cluster on eleventh chromosome). A new method of comparing genetic data, relatively recently used by geneticists, helped scientists to find out this relationship.
As is known, Alzheimer's disease is one of the most common causes leading to the development of dementia. This disease irretrievably destroys brain cells that are responsible for mental abilities and memory. Despite numerous studies, the true causes of Alzheimer's disease have not yet been identified, although it is known for certain that genetic factors and factors are responsible for this state of the body environmental influences. Many researchers believe that the latest study by scientists has made it possible to come seriously closer to identifying all genes that mutate to Alzheimer's disease. This discovery, in turn, provides an opportunity to conduct additional research aimed at finding and developing new treatments for this disease.
A joint team of researchers from the United States of America and Spain, with the help of non-profit organizations that study Alzheimer's disease, carried out their own study of sufferers from this disease to patients using the aforementioned modern method of comparing genetic data. Scientists compared the results of the study with data obtained as a result of earlier studies of Alzheimer's disease. “By combining these data, we were able to more accurately identify the smallest gene defects,” said one researcher, Dr. Agustin Ruiz. “Using the comparison method genetic evidence, we were able to confirm the presence of mutations suspected of being related to Alzheimer's disease. It also made it possible to detect new mutations within the MS4A gene cluster.”
According to additional scientists, some of the 16 genes in the MS4A gene cluster are associated with the activity of the human immune system, which means that they may be responsible for the development of allergies and autoimmune diseases. In particular, it has already been possible to prove the involvement of the above mutations in the development of a certain type of bronchial asthma, in which the patient develops an intolerance to aspirin. Scientists intend to soon establish the mechanism of the effect of gene mutations in the MS4A gene cluster on the immune system, which may lead to the development of Alzheimer's disease. In fact, this will be a factor in starting the development of appropriate drugs that would be an effective means of combating this disease.