Scientists ID possible biomarker to gauge Alzheimer's prognosis, effect of therapies
Thursday, March 17, 2011 - 17:31
in Health & Medicine
Researchers have identified a new biomarker that could help them track how effectively the immune system is able to clear the brain of amyloid beta, which forms the plaques considered one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease. The pilot study demonstrates how the immune gene MGAT3, which is essential in clearing amyloid beta, is expressed differently in different Alzheimer's patients. The finding may be useful in providing more highly individualized disease prognoses in the future.