Researchers from Miguel Hernández University of Elche and CSIC have developed a protocol to analyze proteins in synaptic and extrasynaptic membranes in human postmortem brains, focusing on NMDA receptors in Alzheimer’s disease. They found decreased synaptic NMDA receptors and increased extrasynaptic receptors in Alzheimer’s patients, indicating toxicity-related activity. The protocol involves separating the membrane types using detergents and centrifugation. This could lead to new Alzheimer’s treatments by understanding how specific agents interact with these receptors. The study validates results in transgenic mice and emphasizes the importance of human tissue studies for understanding the disease. Financial support was provided by various organizations.
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Pioneering protocol sheds light on NMDA receptor distribution in Alzheimer’s brains
