In collaboration with Australian researchers, Dr Sebastian Glatt from the Małopolska Centre of Biotechnology has made a discovery regarding the molecular basis of neuron degeneration, which might be used in the future to slow the progression of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s. The results of the research study were published in ‘Nature Communications’.
Researchers from the Jagiellonian University and the University of Queensland in Australia have gained valuable insights about this new discovery while studying the mechanisms of cerebellar ataxia. It is a condition caused by damage of cerebellum – the part of the brain responsible for motor functions. Scientists have developed a new mouse model in order to study the genetic causes of this debilitating disease. They managed to find a connection between ataxia and point mutation of one of the Elongator complex genes. The mutation triggers a deregulation of vital proteins found in cells, causing a gradual degradation of neurons.
The discovery is another step toward better understanding of neurodegenerative diseases, and may become the foundation for any future attempts to slow down the process of neuron decay in those diseases.
