I N D U S T R Y I N V E S T I G A T I O N
and found that it contains a key element which under normal conditions prevents its expression . Removing , or ‘ dialling down ’ this element using an ASO , results in a longlasting boost to the production of RBM3 .
To test whether this approach could protect the brain , the researchers used mice infected with prions . Some of these mice
COLD SHOCK PROTEIN ENABLES THE BRAIN TO PROTECT ITSELF . were injected with a single dose of the ASO three weeks later , while others were given a control treatment .
Twelve weeks after being administered the prions , those mice that had received the control treatment succumbed to prion disease and showed extensive loss of neurons in the hippocampus , an area of the brain important for memory .
The story was very different for the mice that had received the ASO . At the same time , as the other mice were succumbing to prion disease , the ASO-treated mice had levels of RBM3 twice as high as the other mice . Seven of the eight ASO-treated mice showed extensive preservation of neurons in the hippocampus .
42 www . intelligenthealth . tech