Scientists from Edinburgh University have found that a plant pigment called quercetin – found in
some fruits, vegetables, herbs and grains – could help to prevent the
damage to nerves associated with the childhood form of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).
The team has found that the build-up of a specific molecule inside cells – called beta-catenin – is responsible for some of the symptoms associated with the condition.
In tests on zebrafish, flies and mice, scientists found that treating the disease with quercetin – which targets beta-catenin – led to a significant improvement in the health of nerve and muscle cells. Quercetin did not prevent all of the symptoms associated with the disorder but researchers hope that it could offer a useful treatment option in the early stages of disease.
SMA is caused by a mutation in a gene that is vital for the survival of nerve cells that connect the brain and spinal cord to the muscles, known as motor neurons. Until now, it was not known how the mutation damages these cells and causes disease.
The study reveals that the mutated gene affects a key housekeeping process that is required for removing unwanted molecules from cells in the body. When this process doesn’t work properly, molecules can build-up and cause problems inside the cells.
The study was published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation.
The team has found that the build-up of a specific molecule inside cells – called beta-catenin – is responsible for some of the symptoms associated with the condition.
In tests on zebrafish, flies and mice, scientists found that treating the disease with quercetin – which targets beta-catenin – led to a significant improvement in the health of nerve and muscle cells. Quercetin did not prevent all of the symptoms associated with the disorder but researchers hope that it could offer a useful treatment option in the early stages of disease.
SMA is caused by a mutation in a gene that is vital for the survival of nerve cells that connect the brain and spinal cord to the muscles, known as motor neurons. Until now, it was not known how the mutation damages these cells and causes disease.
The study reveals that the mutated gene affects a key housekeeping process that is required for removing unwanted molecules from cells in the body. When this process doesn’t work properly, molecules can build-up and cause problems inside the cells.
The study was published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation.
Comments
Post a Comment