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The nematode as a guide to human brain disease

Article Abstract:

The nematode (a worm) has recently attracted the attention of scientists interested in the causes of Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and other degenerative brain disorders. The topic was discussed at a recent conference on degenerative brain disorders. Of particular interest was the identification of genes in this animal that cause nerve cells (neurons) to die. Since it appears that the immediate causes of neuronal death in all animals are few, results from nematode research may, indeed, have relevance for humans. Part of the developmental program for the nematode involves programmed (genetically determined) cell death, which results in the loss of one fourth of the neuronal complement during the animal's three-day maturation phase. Two genes, ced-3 and ced-4, are responsible for the manufacture of proteins that actually kill the cells. The developing human nervous system, too, is vulnerable to programmed neuronal death, and activation of such genes in later life could cause the degenerative changes seen in Alzheimer's and related disorders. Another gene-mediated cause of cell death has been identified with the characterization of two genes that, when mutated, direct the formation of proteins that kill specific nerve cells. Calcium may be an important facilitator of the neuronal death mediated by both types of genes. Besides providing information about basic mechanisms, nematode research could lead to the development of screening tools to identify genes in humans that are lethal to neurons. The animal could also be used to test drugs with therapeutic potential. Some researchers who attended the conference, however, were not convinced of the relevance of this animal model to human disease states. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Author: Marx, Jean
Publisher: American Association for the Advancement of Science
Publication Name: Science
Subject: Science and technology
ISSN: 0036-8075
Year: 1990
Usage, Physiological aspects, Central nervous system diseases, Nematoda, Nematodes

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New 'Alzheimer's mouse' produced

Article Abstract:

A new mouse strain developed by neurobiologist Karen Hsiao holds promise as a model for Alzheimer's disease in humans. Her team introduced a mutant human amyloid precursor protein (APP) gene into the mice, which induced both plaques and memory impairment, a combination not found in previous models.

Author: Marx, Jean
Publisher: American Association for the Advancement of Science
Publication Name: Science
Subject: Science and technology
ISSN: 0036-8075
Year: 1996
Innovations, Genetically modified mice, Animal models in research, Animal research models

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Cell death studies yield cancer clues

Article Abstract:

Death is necessary to life, as some cells must die in fetuses to ensure proper development. Scientists hypothesize that cancer can come from too little death in cell proliferation. These findings could lead to better tumor-shrinking drugs.

Author: Marx, Jean
Publisher: American Association for the Advancement of Science
Publication Name: Science
Subject: Science and technology
ISSN: 0036-8075
Year: 1993
Analysis, Cancer research, Cancer, Genetics

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Subjects list: Research, Models, Alzheimer's disease, Cell death
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