Alzheimer’s discovery: Nitric oxide's role in gene splicing
University Hospitals and Case Western Reserve University researchers have discovered that reduced nitric oxide levels impair gene splicing, contributing to memory loss in Alzheimer's patients, opening new avenues for treatment.
Collaborative research from University Hospitals and Case Western Reserve University have made a discovery that could change how we look at Alzheimer's disease. Their findings are reported in a press release.
The scientists investigated alternative splicing and uncovered that nitric oxide levels impact splicing. Lower nitric oxide levels can cause less gene-splicing and therefore affect memory loss in Alzheimer's patients. Additionally, the researchers discovered “that specific enzymes remove nitric oxide from brain proteins that regulate splicing, creating a nitric oxide–deficient state.” These findings could lead to new treatment pathways for Alzheimer’s. The researchers are working on additional studies that will test new enzyme inhibitors, currently in development, with the goal of raising nitric oxide levels and manipulating splicing.
