New protein linked to synapse loss in Alzheimer’s disease

Written by Alice Weatherston

Researchers from the University of New South Wales (Australia) have identified a novel molecular mechanism that may play a key role in the loss of synapses early in Alzheimer’s disease. The work, which was published recently in Nature Communications, highlights a potential new area of focus for the development of treatments for the degenerative disease. The study focused on the protein termed neural cell adhesion molecule 2 (NCAM2), one of a range of molecules responsible for connecting the membranes of synapses and stabilizing neuronal synaptic contacts. Utilizing post-mortem brain tissue from individuals with and without Alzheimer’s disease, the research team...

To view this content, please register now for access

It's completely free