Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Hypothesis: By utilizing the ongoing research on “CRISPR”(clustered regularly inter spaced short palindromic repeats), or in other words; “Targeted Genome Editing”, we might be able to alter or modify the Tet 1 gene to reverse its primary function, which is to eradicate memories, and use the modified gene to reverse process on Alzheimer patients.

Hello,

Alzheimer's disease is a complex disease process that involves several key steps. It would be possible to modify a gene using a newer technology such as CRISPR, but it is also necessary to consider the pathology behind the disease. Since Alzheimer's is characterized by misfolded proteins, accumulation of these protein clusters somehow leads (there is still speculation on how this occurs) to degeneration of brain tissue. Not only are memories affected, but ultimately the ability to perform tasks and mood/personality are also affected at later stages due to the disease.

I would suggest to look further into Alzheimer's pathology. What can we target to prevent the accumulation of these protein clusters (plaques)? This is a heavily-invested area of research, and there are still many questions to be answered. Look into it some more and let us know if we can help. Good luck!