Anti-Alzheimers Disease Gene Found

Recently, human beings were found to have gradually evolved a unique genetic variation that
can protect the elderly against neurodegenerative diseases and cardiovascular diseases.
In the standard model of natural selection, once an individual exceeds the reproductive age,
death would come. Because gene mutation that contributes to reproduction are favored by
natural selection. Nearly all vertebrates are in line with this rule, only humans (and certain
whale) is an exception-humans can survive more decades.
In fact, the older contribute a lot to the society. Besides taking care of children for their young
man, they can also convey important cultural knowledge. Age-related cognitive decline is a
major threat to the health of the elderly, making them lose the ability to live independently. In
the long evolution process, specific changes in a number of human genes have occurred. To
our surprise, our humans have thus gained gene mutation against Alzheimers. Professor Ajit
Varki said, the person who led this study.
CD33, key receptors of immune cell surface, can control the immune response from attacking
itself, thus reducing unnecessary inflammation. Previous studies have shown that there exists
a special kind of CD33 that can inhibit accumulation of brain - amyloid. - amyloid
accumulation is considered to be the main features of senile Alzheimers disease, a human
specific diseases occurs after growth period.
For the CD33 variation against Alzheimers disease, researchers compared the CD33
regulation in humans and chimpanzees. They found that the human protective levels of CD33
are four times higher than the chimpanzee. In addition,there are many other genes related to
mutation against cognitive decline. Those gene mutations are unique to humans, such as
APOE. APOE4, ancestor of APOE, is a notorious risk factor involved in Alzheimers disease
and cerebrovascular disease. This study shows that genetic variation APOE2 and APOE3
have the ability to resist dementia.