A new mutated protein has been discovered that is connected to a significant increase in the risk of an individual developing Alzheimer’s disease, according to a study by the University of Southern California (USC).
“The protein, called SHMOOSE, is a tiny ‘microprotein’ encoded by a newly discovered gene within the cell’s energy-producing mitochondria. A mutation within this gene partially inactivates the SHMOOSE microprotein and is associated with a 20-50 percent higher risk for Alzheimer’s disease across four different cohorts. Nearly a quarter of people of European ancestry have the mutated version of the protein,” a Sept. 20 press release states.
