New Alzheimer's finding is announced

ROCHESTER, N.Y., Aug 15, 2005 (United Press International via COMTEX) -- University of Rochester, N.Y., scientists have discovered a link between a developmental gene and neurovascular dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease.

The school's medical center researchers say the gene plays a major role in the growth and remodeling of vascular systems. But, in brain cells of Alzheimer's victims, expression of the gene is low, and that, they say, reveals a new piece of the Alzheimer's puzzle.

In laboratory studies, the scientists also showed restoration of the gene expression level stimulated the formation of new blood vessels. It also increased the level of a protein that removes amyloid beta peptide, the toxin that builds up in Alzheimer victim's brains.

In further studies, Dr. Berislav Zlokovic and colleagues deleted one copy of the gene in mice, creating echoes of the damage of Alzheimer's, including reduced ability to grow brain blood vessels.

"This is a new pathway for the study and treatment of Alzheimer's disease," said Zlokovic. "If we can stop this cycle, we could slow or stop the progression of the neuronal component of this disease."

The study appears in the online version of Nature Medicine and will be published in the journal's September edition.