The Ministry of Science and ICT on Aug. 27 said a domestic research team has identified a key protein that exacerbates Alzheimer's symptoms. (iClickArt) Unauthorized reproduction and redistribution of this image is prohibited under copyright law.

By Lee Jihae

Domestic researchers have identified a key protein that speeds up the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.

They identified not just a pathological phenomenon but the primary force driving the progression of the disease, something that is expected to help develop more effective treatments.

The Ministry of Science and ICT on Aug. 27 said a research team led by Chung Won-Suk, associate director of the Center for Vascular Research of the Institute for Basic Science, identified the protein ERBB4 as a key disruptor of neural networks in the early stages of Alzheimer's.

A rise in the protein's exposure to the brain disrupts the balance of neurons and exacerbates inflammation, worsening symptoms of the disease, the team said.

Analyses of the brains of 446 Alzheimer's patients also showed a correlation between higher levels of ERBB4 and acceleration of cognitive decline, while lower levels of the protein eased symptoms such as memory loss and reduced neurological damage and inflammation.

The team showed how ERBB4 is a key factor that worsens Alzheimer's as well as a change related to the disease.

The research results were published on Aug. 27 in the international academic journal Nature.

jihlee08@korea.kr