Alzheimer's Gene Slows Brain's Ability to Export Toxic Protein

piggy submitted, created time 1 week 1 day (www.sciencedaily.com)

The only known genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease slows down the brain's ability to export a toxic protein known as amyloid-beta that is central to the damage the disease causes, scientists have found.

The research, published Nov. 13 by the Journal of Clinical Investigation, provides new clues into the workings of a protein known as apolipoprotein E4, or ApoE4. People who carry two copies of the gene have roughly eight to ten times the risk of getting Alzheimer's disease than people who do not

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Alzheimer's Risk Factor Also Aids HIV

sea-maid submitted, created time 4 months 4 weeks (www.sciencemag.org)

The defective lipid carrier apolipoprotein E4 (apoE4) has accumulated a nasty record. Not only are people who have the gene for apoE4 famously predisposed to Alzheimer's disease, but the same risk factor can also worsen several nervous system disorders and promote cardiovascular disease. A study out this week suggests that apoE4 also hastens the death of people infected with HIV, possibly by allowing the virus easy entry into cells.

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APOE4 Implicated In Alzheimer's Also Means Reduced Cognitive Function In Kids

yangjane submitted, created time 1 year 2 weeks (www.scientificblogging.com)

Scientists suggest that changes predisposing a person to Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia might occur much sooner in the brain than previously thought.

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