Cause of Alzheimer's Disease Traced to Mutation in Common Enzyme

Tokyo Metropolitan University researchers have discovered a new mechanism by which clumps of tau protein are created in the brain, killing brain cells and causing Alzheimer's disease, reports EurekAlert . A specific mutation to an enzyme known as MARK4 changed the properties of tau, usually an important part of the skeletal structure of cells. The mutation makes it more likely to aggregate and more insoluble, the researchers state. They add that better understanding mechanisms such as this may ultimately lead to breakthrough treatments. A team led by Associate Professor Kanae Ando of Tokyo Metropolitan University has been exploring the role the MARK4 (Microtubule Affinity Regulating Kinase 4) enzyme plays in Alzheimer's disease for some time now. When everything is working properly, the tau protein is a vital part of the structure of the cytoskeleton. Problems occur when a mutation is present in the gene that provides the blueprint for making MARK4.