Mechanism Triggering Alzheimer's Disease Uncovered

Turkish scientists have brought promising news in the fight against Alzheimer's disease, which affects millions of people and still lacks a definitive cure. Prof. Dr. Muhsin Konuk, Rector Advisor at Üsküdar University and Head of the Molecular Biology Master's Program, announced that in a doctoral study they conducted, they discovered an important cellular pathway triggering the disease and were able to halt this process.

Prof. Dr. Muhsin Konuk from Üsküdar University explained that through research conducted with doctoral student Res. Asst. İrem Gülfem Albayrak, they discovered a new mechanism playing a key role in the development of Alzheimer's disease.

Prof. Dr. Konuk stated, "Our next goal is to find, if possible, a plant-based molecule that can regulate this mechanism. If we succeed, that person will not develop Alzheimer's."

How was the production of "toxic protein" in the cell stopped?
Prof. Dr. Muhsin Konuk shared details of the research conducted with doctoral student Res. Asst. İrem Gülfem Albayrak. Prof. Dr. Konuk explained the process as follows:

"We were examining the formation of amyloid plaques that cause Alzheimer's. There are proteins on the cell membrane that function as ion channels. The ions passing through these channels alter the acidity balance (pH) inside the cell. When this acidity changes, the production of toxic proteins causing Alzheimer's is triggered. In our study, we succeeded in altering the gene expression of the protein that initiates this process and demonstrated how the harmful process could be prevented. This means discovering a new pathway in cellular metabolism."

The next target: developing a treatment
Following this important discovery, Prof. Dr. Konuk noted that the next goal is to develop a treatment that would regulate this mechanism through natural means. He stated: "Our next step is to find a drug molecule that will ensure the healthy functioning of this protein, preferably derived from plants or other organisms. When we achieve this, we aim to prevent Alzheimer's disease before it manifests. In other words, that person will not develop Alzheimer's."

Advice for young scientists…
Emphasizing that great patience and dedication lie behind this success, Prof. Dr. Muhsin Konuk also offered important advice to young scientists.

Noting that patience and repeated attempts without giving up are the most important qualities of a scientist, Prof. Dr. Konuk said: "There should be no expectation of financial reward behind this work. The joy this work gives to a person cannot be measured by anything else. You will pursue the matter with patience and, like a cat locked onto its prey, you will focus on the subject and never give up. People who have received basic molecular biology and genetics education and have laboratory experience will be very successful in this field. Believe me, this field will be one of the brightest 7-8 fields in the coming years."