Neurodegenerative Diseases News and Research

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Atomic Structure of Kinesin-2 Reveals the Molecular Logic of Cargo Recognition

For decades, scientists have known that motor proteins like kinesin-2 ferry vital cargo along microtubule "highways" inside cells.

7 Nov 2025

Enzyme BVRA Found to Shield Neurons from Oxidative Stress

New research from Johns Hopkins Medicine shows that the enzyme biliverdin reductase A (BVRA) plays a direct protective role against oxidative stress in neurons, independent of its role producing the yellow pigment bilirubin.

4 Nov 2025

TUM Researchers Discover Molecular Switch Controlling Programmed Cell Death

In the fight against disease, programmed cell death – also known as apoptosis – is a key protective function of the body.

4 Nov 2025

Frazzled Protein Found to Shape Fast Neural Connections in Fruit Flies

Florida Atlantic University neuroscientists have uncovered a surprising role for a protein named "Frazzled" (known as DCC in mammals) in the nervous system of fruit flies, showing how it helps neurons connect and communicate with lightning speed.

3 Nov 2025

Reversible Epigenetic Switches Influence Memory Formation

Our experiences leave traces in the brain, stored in small groups of cells called "engrams". Engrams are thought to hold the information of a memory and are reactivated when we remember, which makes them very interesting to research on memory and age- or trauma-related memory loss.

30 Oct 2025

Aptamer Technology Offers Breakthrough in Identifying Zombie Cells

When it comes to treating disease, one promising avenue is addressing the presence of senescent cells.

28 Oct 2025

GemPharmatech Teams Up With Memorial Sloan Kettering to Advance Antibody Innovation

GemPharmatech, a global leader in preclinical research solutions and genetically-engineered mouse models, today announced a collaboration with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) to accelerate the discovery of new therapeutic antibodies.

24 Oct 2025

Breakthrough Cryo-EM Study Maps Herpes Replication Protein in New Detail

An international research team has successfully identified the initial high-resolution structures of the herpes simplex virus origin-binding protein (OBP), which is an essential element in viral DNA replication that has remained structurally uncharacterized for the past forty years.

24 Oct 2025

Structural Insights into Heat Shock Chaperone Complex and Protein Handoffs

The first full-length structures of two heat shock chaperone proteins in a complex reveal the key structural region regulating their function, according to a new study from St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

15 Oct 2025

St. Jude Researchers Uncover Dual Role of ASPL in Stress Granule Assembly and Disassembly

Stress granules are droplet-like protein hubs that temporarily shield fragile RNA from cellular stresses such as toxins. VCP is a protein essential for breaking up stress granules and has been linked to neurodegenerative diseases.

10 Oct 2025

Cryo-EM Study Uncovers Hidden Steps in NMDA Receptor Activation

When it comes to brain proteins, small changes can make a dramatic difference. Researchers studying NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptors, which are essential for learning, memory and moment-by-moment consciousness, know that even slight changes in their activity level can mean the difference between normal function and serious neurological disorders.

25 Sep 2025

Novel Fluorescent Reporter Technology Enables Real-Time Visualization of Apoptosis Inside Cells

Cells in our body are programmed to die after a certain period of time-a natural process known as apoptosis or "cell suicide."

4 Sep 2025

Microglia Replacement Therapy Offers Hope for Genetic Disorders Affecting the Brain

Tay-Sachs and Sandhoff diseases, genetic disorders affecting the brain, have no effective treatment and are typically fatal within the first years of life.

7 Aug 2025

Case Western Researchers Use Stem Cells to “Shut Off” Nerve Cell Strain

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), sometimes known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is an incurable neurological disease that affects motor neurons, which are nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that regulate voluntary muscle movement and breathing.

6 Aug 2025

Bacterial Battle Strategies Involve Durable Amyloid Armor

Amyloids are perhaps best known as a key driver of Alzheimer's disease.

30 Jul 2025

Proteins as a Natural Weapon Against Predatory Bacteria

Amyloids are perhaps best recognized as a major cause of Alzheimer’s disease.

30 Jul 2025

Researchers Uncover Complex Substrate Profile for Enzyme Action

Research on γ-secretase reveals its unique substrate recognition mechanism, offering potential for developing precise therapeutic agents for various diseases.

14 Jul 2025

Rutgers Scientists Uncover Protein Key to Learning and Memory

Scientists have discovered how a key protein helps maintain strong connections between brain cells that are crucial for learning and memory.

14 Jul 2025

New Tool Reveals RNA Locations Inside Cells With Nanoscale Precision

A new tool called PHOTON, developed by scientists at UT Southwestern Medical Center, can identify RNA molecules at their native locations within cells – providing valuable clues to where different RNA species are distributed spatially in response to various cellular cues.

30 Jun 2025

Chromosome Imbalance Disrupts Mitochondria Through Protein Aggregates

It has been known for several years that abnormal chromosome numbers lead to protein imbalances in the affected cells. Researchers at RPTU have now investigated the detailed effects of such imbalances.

30 Jun 2025