Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that gradually destroys memory and thinking skills
Every year, the number of people affected by the disease continues to grow
That has some researchers looking to the fruit fly for answers One team has found that linking two parts of the cell closer together may help
Linking the endoplasmic reticulum, which forms proteins and stores calcium to the mitochondria, which power the cell can actually improve motor function in fruit flies and help them live longer
This technique works in flies with brain plaques similar to those found in humans with Alzheimer’s disease
Part of the reason could be improved access to calcium
Forcing the organelles together helps calcium migrate more easily from the endoplasmic reticulum to the mitochondria
This sends the mitochondria into overdrive because calcium acts as a lubricant for the mitochondrial machinery that pumps out energy
So easy access to calcium means more energy output
Clarifying how that translates to better survival could lead to a new way of fighting the devastating effects of Alzheimer’s
Garrido-Maraver, et al. “Forcing contacts between mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum extends lifespan in a Drosophila model of Alzheimer's disease.” Biology Open (2019)