Scientists identify Alzheimer’s protein

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Scientists identify Alzheimer’s protein

Korean scientists said yesterday they have pinpointed a harmful protein that triggers Alzheimer’s disease, which may contribute to the discovery of a cure for the brain disease. The team, led by Mook In-hee of Seoul National University Medical School, said it has determined that a protein called ERK1/2 acts as the controller substance for Alzheimer’s. This is the first time that the protein has been identified as the key to the disease, which afflicts more than 5 million people a year worldwide. The ERK1/2 protein controls the creation of the enzyme gamma-secretase, which in turn can produce beta-amyloids in the body. Beta-amyloid is a harmful protein responsible for causing “senile plaque,” which produces Alzheimer’s.
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