Scientists uncover new path toward treating a rare but deadly neurologic condition: Com... - 0 views
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Molybdenum cofactor (Moco) is a compound that is little known but is essential for life.
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Molybdenum cofactor (Moco) is a compound that is little known but is essential for life.
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Children born without the ability to synthesize Moco die young.
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Studies with a popular laboratory model, the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, have revealed a possible therapeutic avenue for a rare but deadly condition in which children are born without the ability to make molybdenum cofactor (Moco) on their own
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Moco is essential for life
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This suggests that such protein-Moco complexes could be used as a treatment for Moco deficiency in people.
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C. elegans
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The researchers found that the worms could take in Moco as a range of purified Moco-protein complexes. These included complexes with proteins from bacteria, bread mold, green algae and cow's milk. Ingesting these complexes saved the Moco-deficient worms.
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"We do not want to overstate our findings, especially as they relate to patients, but we are extremely excited about the therapeutic and fundamental implications of this work."