Prof. Dr. Muhsin Konuk from Üsküdar University announced that they have discovered a new mechanism playing a key role in the development of Alzheimer's disease through a study conducted with his doctoral student Res. Asst. İrem Gülfem Albayrak.
Prof. Dr. Konuk stated, "Our next goal is to find a molecule, preferably plant-based, that will regulate this mechanism. If we succeed, that person will not contract Alzheimer's."
Hopeful news has emerged from Turkish scientists in the fight against Alzheimer's disease, which affects millions and currently has no definitive cure. Prof. Dr. Muhsin Konuk, Rector's Advisor and Head of the Molecular Biology Master's Program at Üsküdar University, announced that in a doctoral study they conducted, they discovered a significant cellular pathway triggering the disease and were able to halt this process.
How was the production of "toxic protein" in the cell stopped?
Prof. Dr. Muhsin Konuk shared the details of the study conducted with his doctoral student Res. Asst. İrem Gülfem Albayrak. Prof. Dr. Konuk explained the process as follows:
“We were investigating the formation of amyloid plaques that cause Alzheimer’s. There are proteins located in the cell membrane that function as ion channels. Ions passing through these channels alter the acidity balance (pH) within the cell. When this acidity changes, the production of toxic proteins that cause Alzheimer’s is triggered. In our study, we succeeded in altering the gene expression of the protein that initiates this process, demonstrating how the harmful process can be prevented. This means discovering a new pathway in cellular metabolism.”
Next goal: developing a treatment
Stating that the next goal after this significant discovery is to develop a treatment that will regulate this mechanism naturally, Prof. Dr. Konuk said, “Now, our next step is to find a drug molecule, preferably derived from plants or other organisms, that will ensure this protein functions healthily. When we achieve this, we aim to prevent Alzheimer's disease before it even manifests. In other words, that person will not contract Alzheimer's.”
Advice to young scientists…
Emphasizing that great patience and dedication lie behind this success, Prof. Dr. Muhsin Konuk also offered important advice to young scientists.
Stating that the most important characteristic of being a scientist is patience and trying repeatedly without getting tired, Prof. Dr. Konuk said, "There should be no expectation of money behind this work. The joy this work gives a person cannot be measured by anything else. You must patiently pursue the work, locking onto the subject like a cat on its prey, and never give up. People with fundamental molecular biology and genetics education and laboratory experience will be very successful in this field. Believe me, this area will be one of the brightest 7-8 fields in the coming years."