Scientists have isolated aequorin, a protein from jellyfish which have neuroprotective propoerties and may hold promise in treating neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease.

Its putative mechanism of action is by controlling calcium levels in the neurons.

Diseases like Alzheimer's are associated with a loss of "calcium-binding" proteins that protect nerve cells, said Moyer. Calcium is necessary for communication between neurons in the brain, and learning and memory are not possible without it. But too much of it leads to neuron death, interfering with memory and contributing to neurodegenerative diseases.Calcium-binding proteins decline with age, however, limiting the brain's ability to control or handle the amount of calcium "allowed in."

Aequorin, the jellyfish protein, appears to be a viable substitute.

Preliminary laboratory test results have been presented by Quincy Bioscience during the 2006 Bio Conference in Chicago. To view a video presentation discussing aequorin and its potentials, go to mediasite.com, click BIO2006 on the left panel and type in "Quincy" in the Find Presentation box.

[Image: Ribbon diagram of the crystal structure of Aequorin from PDB entry 1EJ3 (Assumed biological molecule).]