New Causes of Neurodegeneration Are Found

Oct 29, 12:40 PM

Current Headlines: U.S. scientists have found a link between a virtually unknown signaling molecule and neuron health that affects such diseases as Alzheimer's.

University of Michigan researchers led by graduate student Yanling Zhang, postdoctoral fellow Sergey Zolov and Professor Lois Weisman connected the loss of the molecule to massive neurodegeneration in the brain.

The molecule PI(3,5)P2 is a lipid found in all cells at very low levels. While the best-studied lipids are fats, waxes and oils, PI(3,5)P2 is a member of a unique class of lipids that signal the cell to perform special tasks.

Weisman said it was surprising to find PI(3,5)P2 plays a key role in the survival of nervous system cells.

In mice, lowered levels of PI(3,5)P2 leads to profound neurodegeneration, said Weisman, which he said suggests it is a good place to look to find treatments for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and multiple sclerosis.

The study is reported in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.