DNA repair protein BRCA1 implicated in cognitive function and dementia

Researchers at Gladstone Institutes have found compelling new evidence of the BRCA1's involvement with cognitive function and dementia. BRCA1's known function is in DNA repair, which is why it is a key player in breast and ovarian cancer risks because a mutation would equate to flawed functioning of the gene. Researchers were shocked to find BRCA1's role in the neurons where cells do not divide. The gene typically mends double strand breaks in damaged cells so it can have this function in the brain when neurons become damaged just from intense brain activity. The cycle of damage and repair supposedly strengthens neural connections and memory. BRCA1's function in neurons was studied in mice which had lower levels of BRCA1. The mice were found to have DNA damage, memory/learning deficits and neuronal shrinkage. These symptoms are very similar Alzheimer's, so researchers also studied the BRCA1 levels in post-mortem brains of Alzheimer's patients. Not only were the BRCA1 levels reduced 60-75% from normal levels, but it was also found that amyloid-beta proteins (accumulate in Alzheimer's patients' brains) depletes BRCA1. Now, researchers are looking at whether or not an increase in BRCA1 levels can alleviate neurodegeneration and other cognitive issues in mice. 

I find this critical research in the field of genetics and neurology because it can lead us to finding answers on alleviating the symptoms of Alzheimer's, which typically causes a lot of emotional stress from a patient's loved ones. It has been unfortunate that scientists cannot stop the progression of the disease, but now it is possible for progress in this field to be made. 

BRCA1