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Grantees in the News: Giulio Taglialatela and Joshua Shulman on enzyme’s role in degenerative brain disease

On June 2, 2016, PLOS Biology published new research co-authored by AFAR grantees Giulio Taglialatela, PhD (1994 AFAR Research Grant), and Joshua Shulman, MD, PhD (2014 New Investigator in Alzheimer’s Disease Award). The research explored a second function of the NMNAT2 enzyme, which may protect against degenerative brain diseases.

The NMNAT2 is well known for its function producing nicotine adenine dinucleotide, NAD, which helps to protect the brain against oxidative stress. According to this new research, NMNAT2 also serves as molecular chaperon, by helping mis-folded proteins refold properly.

The build-up of mis-folded protein has been associated with numerous cognitive diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease. Based on a 500 person clinical trial, researchers found that high levels of NMNAT2 reduced the risk of cognitive impairment.

Giulio Taglialatela, PhD, is a Professor and Vice Chair for Research and the Director of Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases at the University of Texas, Galvenston.

Joshua Shulman, MD, PhD, is an Assistant Professor at Baylor College of Medicine.

For more information on causes and treatments for Alzheimer’s disease, visit InfoAging.

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