Breakthroughs in science tend to start with a small step. For scientists in Australia, a small step might offer new hope to patients who are suffering from neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.
Scientists Find Molecule That Blocks Cell Death
A group of researchers from Melbourne's Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI) has discovered a small molecule that inhibits cell death. The finding holds promise for the development of future drugs to slow or halt brain cell damage.
The study aimed to stop cell death in neurones, a major problem in conditions such as Alzheimer's. Following a screen of more than 100,000 chemical compounds, researchers found a promising molecule that blocks an obstruction protein involved in cell death.
The molecule acts on a protein called BAX, which is central to the process of killing cells by targeting their mitochondria — the component responsible for providing them with energy.
BAX Inhibitor Could Help Preserve Brain Function
Lead researcher Professor Guillaume Lessene said the team were thrilled with the result. "We were excited to discover a small molecule that targets BAX and halts it from working," he said.
Most treatments today target activating cell death in cancer; this research ventures into the opposite — preserving healthy brain cells. That's proven to be a tough job for scientists so far.
"Shutting off BAX may be sufficient to safeguard neurones," Lessene added.
Pathway to New Treatments for Degenerative Conditions
Lead author of the study and researcher Kaiming Li from the Dewson Lab explained that the molecule functioned by preventing BAX from reaching mitochondria. "For the first time, we were able to keep cells alive by doing this," Li said.
The research was published in the journal Science Advances. The researchers hope this will give rise to a new generation of cell-death blockers, bringing hope to victims of slow-progressing diseases.
Although much work is still ahead, the researchers indicate this may bring a new door to the quest for drugs that shield the brain. Their breakthrough represents progress in knowing how to maintain cells alive for longer periods of time in individuals suffering from neurodegenerative diseases.
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