Scientists from the University of Bath have made a breakthrough in understanding the gene Angiogenin (ANG) and its association with neurodegenerative diseases such as frontotemporal dementia (FTD), motor neuron disease (MND), and Parkinson’s disease. The study, published in the Journal of Pathology, shows that ANG plays a crucial role in the development of undifferentiated stem cells into specialized nerve cells, and when mutated, it leads to defects in neurodevelopmental processes.
In their research, the team grew “mini-brains” from clusters of human stem cells in the lab, providing a realistic model to study disease development and a structure to screen drugs. They analyzed a family affected by FTD and MND, where genetic tests revealed mutations in ANG. Strikingly, the mini-brains of family members carrying the mutated ANG showed neurodevelopmental defects, suggesting that these defects contribute to the susceptibility or onset of the diseases.
Dr. Vasanta Subramanian, who led the research, emphasized the importance of early intervention, stating, “I envisage a time when we will be identifying people who are susceptible to these diseases, screening them for genetic mutations, and offering early-intervention gene therapy to fix the defects.” By understanding the mechanisms through which ANG protects cells and its function in stem cells, scientists can potentially develop targeted therapies to prevent or slow down the progression of these age-related diseases.
Earlier studies from the same research group at the University of Bath demonstrated that ANG, in its healthy form, safeguards nerve cells against damage, degeneration, and impairment of function. Conversely, the mutated form of the gene increases the susceptibility of nerve cells to stress, leading to premature cell death. This new discovery further strengthens our understanding of ANG’s role in protecting against age-related diseases.
The implications of this research are significant for the field of dementia research and the development of potential treatments. Identifying individuals who are genetically susceptible to these diseases and intervening at an early stage can potentially delay or prevent the onset of symptoms, improving the quality of life for affected individuals. This study provides valuable insights into the underlying triggers and mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases, paving the way for further exploration and targeted therapeutic approaches.
More research is needed to fully understand ANG’s protective mechanisms and its function in stem cells, but this groundbreaking study offers hope for the future of dementia treatment. With continued investigation and advancements in gene therapy, it is possible that we may one day have effective interventions to combat these devastating diseases.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
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