Scientists discover how to prevent death of nerve cells in most common genetic forms of MND and dementia

“Researchers from the University of Sheffield’s Institute of Translational Neuroscience have discovered how to prevent the death of nerve cells and protect nerves from neurodegeneration in the most common genetic forms of MND and frontotemporal dementia. The researchers used a peptide, a small assembly of amino acids or protein bricks, with a cell-penetrating module to stop mutant repeated RNA molecules being transported from the cell’s nucleus to the cytoplasm where they are used to produce toxic repeat proteins which lead to the death of nerve cells. Findings of the study suggest the peptide could be given orally or in another non-invasive manner – for example through a nasal spray which could be developed to enter the brain.”     MORE

 Image Credit:  University of Sheffield