Royal Veterinary College scientists unravel the mysteries of neurodegenerative diseases
12 February 2008
New research, by the Royal Veterinary College (RVC), is unravelling some of the mysteries of how prion diseases like CJD damage brain cells (neurons). The research, published in the online journal BMC Biology, indicates that the presence of prions critically increases the amounts of cholesterol in neurons which triggers the development of neurodegenerative diseases.
It is widely believed that prions (protein only infectious material) are the cause of rare progressive neurodegenerative disorders that affect both humans and animals. However, what is not known is how the prions damage neurons. The recent research by Dr Bate and his colleagues at the RVC demonstrates that infection with prions dramatically raises the amount of free cholesterol within neurons. Studies have recently shown that controlling the cholesterol levels within neurons is critical in limiting the development of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, prion diseases, multiple sclerosis, and senile dementia.
The amount of free cholesterol in cell membranes is known to affect a number of cell functions; the RVC’s research concentrated on the affect of free cholesterol on phospholipase A2; activation of this enzyme is implicated in the depletion of neurons in prion and Alzheimer’s disease. Previous studies by the paper’s authors have shown that phospholipase A2 is sensitive to cholesterol depletion. In the BMC Biology paper the researchers demonstrate that prions increase free cholesterol in the cell membrane leading to increased activation of phospholipase A2.
“Currently there is little consensus on what is causing the degeneration of neurons in prion disease, in our research we have been able to shed light on this process – although more studies are needed in this area,” said Dr Bate, scientist at the Royal Veterinary College. “By understanding the causes of by which prions damage neurons scientists will be able to find ways of protecting neurons. Ultimately we aim to find a drug that reduces phospholipase A2 activity and slow the degeneration of prion infected neurons.”
Notes for editors
- Information on the research paper:
MS: 4509239991535613
Sequestration of free cholesterol in cell membranes by prions correlates with cytoplasmic phospholipase A2 activation
Clive Bate, Mourad Tayebi and Alun Williams
BMC Biology http://www.biomedcentral.com/imedia/4509239991535613_article.pdf?random=143065 - The Royal Veterinary College is the UK's first and largest veterinary school and a constituent College of the University of London. The College is one of the leading veterinary research centres in Europe and received 5 out of 5 in the latest Research Assessment Exercise. It also provides support for veterinary and related professions through its three referral hospitals, diagnostic services and continuing professional development courses.
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Established in 1791, the RVC is the UK’s longest-standing veterinary college—with a proud heritage of innovation in veterinary science, clinical practice and education.