Researchers at ETH Zurich led by Ursula Quitterer studied brain tissue and mice to learn about dementia. The team focused on an enzyme called GRK2. They found two forms: a normal form and an inactive form that builds up in brain cells from people with dementia.
The inactive GRK2 makes clumps that block mitochondria and reduce cell energy, and it increases amyloid beta, a protein linked to Alzheimer’s. The researchers tested chemical compounds in cell cultures and in mice. One compound, Compound 10, stopped GRK2 clumping, helped mitochondria work better and reduced amyloid beta. The team has applied for a patent and is looking for a company to develop the compound further.
Difficult words
- enzyme — A protein that speeds up chemical reactions
- inactive — Not working or not active right now
- clump — A small group of things stuck togetherclumps, clumping
- mitochondrion — Part of a cell that makes energymitochondria
- amyloid beta — A protein linked to Alzheimer's disease
- compound — A substance made from two or more chemicalscompounds, Compound 10
- patent — A legal right to control a new invention
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Discussion questions
- Do you think testing medicines in mice is a good idea? Why or why not?
- Would you like researchers to find new treatments for dementia? Why?
- How would you explain this study to a friend in one sentence?
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