. | . |
Compound May Prevent Neuron-Degeneration Nagoya, Japan (UPI) Sep 14, 2005 Scientists from Japan's Nagoya University School of Medicine say they've found a chemical compound that prevents a neuron-degeneration process. The researchers, writing in the journal Nature Medicine, said the compound known as 17-AAG might be used as a molecular targeted drug, the Asahi Shimbun reported Tuesday. "The concept of molecular targeted drugs is an important one for developing new drug therapies for neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease," said Gen Sobue, who led the research team. Neuron degeneration is linked to the accumulation of mutant proteins in nerve cells and experiments have confirmed 17-AAG has a special effect on such proteins, the newspaper reported. The researchers said the compound lies dormant when there is nothing unusual about a certain part of the protein receptor. But when abnormalities develop the compound functions to inhibit and degrade the suspect protein, Asahi Shimbun said. Molecular targeted drugs are a focus of research in cancer prevention, and 17-AAG has been considered a possible chemical compound for use in such drugs. Related Links SpaceDaily Search SpaceDaily Subscribe To SpaceDaily Express Croatia Zoo Opens Cages For World's Most Dangerous Species - Humans Zagreb (AFP) Sep 13, 2005 Visitors to Zagreb zoo can now experience what it feels like to be a caged animal, zoo management announced Tuesday. |
|
The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2006 - SpaceDaily.AFP and UPI Wire Stories are copyright Agence France-Presse and United Press International. ESA PortalReports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additionalcopyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement,agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by SpaceDaily on any Web page published or hosted by SpaceDaily. Privacy Statement |