Stunted nerve cells are caused by a shortage of a protein called TDP-43. Because of their shortage, patients can develop different types of dementia, FTD and ALS. ALS is an incurable disease which impairs mobility and causes breathing problems and FTD is a brain disorder, which destroys the ability to behalf appropriately, communicate, and make judgements.
Recent studies show that FTD and ALS come from practically the same origins. Also, they share various symptoms of the diseases. The TDP-43 builds up outside of the nucleus, disrupting the normal function of the protein. Scientists have not yet figured out if this is harmful or not yet.
Later, researchers decided to do a study on zebra fish and they investigated the larvae on specially bread zebra fish. They bread them so they did not have any TDP-43. All of the zebra fish died off within a few days of hatching. There was massive muscle wasting and the extensions of the nerve cells were abnormal.
These symptoms are very common among FTD and ALS patients. This study helps reiterate the idea that TDP-43 plays a crucial role in the disease.
NOS Themes:
- Science is based on evidence
- Science is testable and repeatable
- Role of motivation and curiosity
Article:
http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2013/03/03/misplaced_molecules_new_insights_into_the_causes_of_dementia.html
Jack Nermyr
Another Nature of Science theme I found is that science is collaborative. Several groups of people would have to work together to make these connections between FTD snd ALS and their relationship to TDP-43.
ReplyDeleteI found another interesting article about this topic at this website:
http://www.med.upenn.edu/cndr/TDP43androleonALS.shtml
It is from a few years ago but it talks about how FTD and ALS may start from the same disease process and so scientists may classify them as a new class of neurodegenerative diseases called TDP-43 proteinopathies. All of this information can lead to studies about what the normal level of TDP-43 in the body is.