Superspreading Proteins Unveiled: A Breakthrough in Alzheimer’s Disease Progression

A recent study has shed light on a unique subset of amyloid beta proteins, referred to as “superspreaders,” that seem to spread throughout brain tissue more rapidly in Alzheimer’s disease. By observing amyloid beta proteins under an atomic force microscope in a salt solution mimicking brain conditions, researchers found that some amyloid beta proteins, specifically amyloid beta 42, adopt highly reactive structures that accelerate clump formation. This unique behavior could explain the rapid increase of amyloid plaques as the disease progresses. Led by molecular physicist Peter Nirmalraj and conducted at EMPA in collaboration with the University of Limerick, the study emphasizes that while amyloid plaques have long been associated with Alzheimer’s, their exact role remains unclear. These findings represent a significant step in understanding the biochemical environment that drives amyloid spread, potentially pointing towards new, more effective treatments targeting these superspreader proteins.

Source: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adp5059