Researchers report extra copies of genes on chromosome 21 increase Alzheimer's like pathology and cognitive impairment in mouse models of Down syndrome. The findings provide insight into early onset Alzheimer's in those with Down syndrome.
In Parkinson's disease, alpha synuclein clumps move to and damage mitochondrial proteins, making them less efficient and causing the mitochondrial to burst, leaking out chemicals that tell the cells to die, researchers say.
Studying what the LRRK2 gene does in macrophages infected with the bacterium that causes tuberculosis, researchers believe they may have identified a cause of Parkinson's disease.
Study could help pave the way for new research for neurodegenerative conditions such as motor neuron disease and muscular dystrophy.
