The finding identifies
how vulnerable cell groups react and respond differently to the accumulation of mitochondrial DNA damage seen in the disease, highlighting the need for cell - specific treatments.
The
most vulnerable cells in HD are brain cells called neurons, about half of the cells in the adult brain.
It was considered impossible to solve this problem, since a harsh solvent was needed to break down recalcitrant plant materials like cellulose, while such a harsh solvent would kill microorganisms (with fragile and
very vulnerable cell membranes) that play essential roles in the fermentation necessary for producing ethanol.
Innovative work with stem cells also provided findings that supported the theory that stress
induces vulnerable cells to malfunction, the researchers reported.
Cardiovascular disease in these young patients develops
as vulnerable cells lining the interior of major arteries (vessels that carry blood away from the heart) accumulate the toxic protein and die.
By understanding how certain brain cells are either vulnerable or resistant to neurodegenerative diseases, the lab has also discovered specific «profiles»
of vulnerable cell types, thus advancing neuroprotective strategies for Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
This condition is associated with the excessive accumulation of fats and proteins called lipofuscin
in vulnerable cells and tissues of the body.
Scientists believe the stem cells secreted proteins called neurotrophins that protected
vulnerable cells from death and rescued memory.
The virus could actually help, since it would continue infecting and killing unchanged,
vulnerable cells — decimating its own resources in the process.
«If we can find out more information about why these subtypes of cells are protected, we may be able to use this information to tailor therapies to protect
the vulnerable cells.»
«Now that we know cortical neural progenitor cells are
the vulnerable cells, they can likely also be used to quickly screen potential new therapies for effectiveness,» Song adds.