A substance that can stop the buildup of a harmful component called amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaque, which can lead to dementia, has been found in a type of jellyfish toxin. (Image courtesy of KIOST)
BUSAN, Oct. 19 (Korea Bizwire) – A substance that can stop the buildup of a harmful component called amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaque, which can lead to dementia, has been found in a type of jellyfish toxin.
Researchers from the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST) recently made an important discovery. They found a special substance, known as a peptide, in the toxin of certain jellyfish that can prevent the formation of these Aβ plaques. In fact, they even obtained patents for their findings.
The scientists at KIOST looked at the genetic information of two types of jellyfish: the small box jellyfish that’s often found along the southern coast of Korea and the Malayan jellyfish, which typically lives in warm, subtropical areas. They then created and analyzed toxin proteins from these jellyfish.
Their research led them to discover two specific peptides: ‘CBRV1-04369′ from the small box jellyfish and ‘SMA_04088-2′ from the Malayan jellyfish. Both of these peptides were found to prevent the formation of Aβ plaques.
Considering the increasing number of elderly people in the world, there’s a growing interest in finding ways to prevent and treat age-related conditions like dementia. The KIOST researchers believe that their findings could contribute to the development of treatments or solutions for dementia.
J. S. Shin (js_shin@koreabizwire.com)
