'Hidden' protein in the brain could be key to treating Alzheimer's and ageing, says new research

A newly discovered brain protein might be the answer to treating Alzheimer's disease and the overall ageing process, suggests recent research. Scientists at Singapore's National University have found that the Mfsd7c protein has a significant role in controlling choline levels in the brain.

Choline is an essential nutrient for brain functionality, known to decrease with age and diseases such as Alzheimer's. Choline is vital for various brain functions, including memory processing, mood regulation, and muscle memory.

The new study found that our brain absorbs choline attached to lipids (fatty compounds) rather than its free form. The lipid-bound choline is transported into the brain where Mfsd7c then ejects any surplus choline, maintaining a balance. However, the research also observed that targeting Mfsd7c could elevate levels of choline and acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter imperative for learning and memory, as reported by PsyPost.org, reports the Mirror US

While most of this study concentrated on Fowler syndrome a severe neurological disease, lead researcher associate professor Nguyen Nam Long said: "Our study results have revealed an unexpected finding for choline source in the brain. It not only provides a foundation for future work to reveal the disease mechanisms of Fowler syndrome but also lays the foundation for treatment of neurological diseases."

It follows a separate new study, which found that the consumption of pomegranates, strawberries and walnuts could have a significant impact in reducing or even reversing the effects of Alzheimer's disease. Researchers have found that a metabolite compound known as urolithin A, typically present in these food items, aids the body in eliminating damaged mitochondria from the brain.

One of the primary factors contributing to Alzheimer's symptoms is an aggregation of proteins or waste in the brain. This accumulation can obstruct neurological pathways or blood flow, subsequently causing the death of brain cells and leading to cognitive challenges, says the National Institute on Aging.

Although this may not be the cause of all Alzheimer's cases, addressing this particular factor has the potential to alleviate symptoms or decelerate the progression of this incurable illness. This is precisely what could potentially occur in individuals who regularly consume pomegranates, strawberries, and walnuts - an infrequent build-up of protein, thus yielding "positive results" in patients, states Vilhelm Bohr, a biochemist at the University of Copenhagen and one of the scientists spearheading the study.

In a conversation with the university's press office, Bohr said: "Our study on mouse models with AD [Alzheimer's disease] shows that urolithin A, which is a naturally occurring substance in i.a. pomegranates, can alleviate memory problems and other consequences of dementia."