A news study by The Journal of Cell Biology shows that Alzheimer's disease-related peptides have the ability to form calcium channels in the plasma membrane.
Alzheimer's disease is a form of dementia that gradually gets worst over time, affecting a person's memory, thinking and behavior.
The disease was thought to be caused by a buildup of A-beta in insoluble, fibrous plaques for many years, but The Journal of Cell Biology's new study suggests that it's actually caused by smaller, soluble A-beta complexes. They disrupt synaptic signaling and stimulate cell death.
The new study used high-resolution imaging to reveal A-beta oligomers elevate calcium by forming calcium-permeable pores in the plasma membrane.
Experimental techniques used to date have only monitored one channel at a time, which was a cause for a new technique, according to Angelo Demuro of the University of California, Irvine.
"We can simultaneously record the behavior of thousands of channels using an imaging technique we call optical patch-clamping," Demuro explained.
Alzheimer's is a life threatening disease that can lead to severe health issues. As individuals get older, and potentially become more susceptible to certain diseases and illnesses, they may want to secure a life insurance policy to ensure the financial security of their loved ones.