Preventing the Buildup of Amyloid Formation (2013)

Posted February 15, 2018


ADAM10 Gene Mutations


Rudy Tanzi, Ph.D. and Jaehong Suh, Ph.D. of Massachusetts General Hospital identified two previously unknown mutations in the ADAM10 gene, which is linked with late-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Their research suggests that the ADAM10 gene codes for an enzyme that helps to prevent the formation of amyloid beta, the protein that makes up the amyloid plaques seen in Alzheimer’s. A mutation of the ADAM10 gene diminishes activity of this enzyme, leading to increased buildup of amyloid beta. By identifying a potential trigger of Alzheimer’s pathology, Tanzi and Suh opened up new therapeutic targets for the disease.