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New Research Links Midkine Protein to Alzheimer's Prevention

9/11/2025

Center

Researchers Discover Midkine

Researchers at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital discovered that midkine protein may prevent Alzheimer’s by inhibiting amyloid beta clumping.
Previously linked to cancer, midkine's role in Alzheimer’s was poorly understood.
A study in Nature Structural & Molecular Biology confirmed midkine's inhibitory effect on amyloid beta assembly.
In mouse models, removing midkine raised amyloid beta levels, highlighting its protective function.
A UK trial is testing a blood test for p-tau217 to enhance early Alzheimer’s diagnosis among 1,100 participants.

Right

Professor Schott Innovates Diagnosis

A UK study led by the Adapt team investigates the blood test for p-tau217 as a potential Alzheimer's biomarker, aiming to replace invasive PET scans.
Recruitment has started, involving 19 UK centers and the Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust.
Participants will receive blood test results at three and twelve months to assess diagnosis speed and patient quality of life.
Professor Jonathan Schott noted the trial's potential to transform dementia diagnosis through increased accessibility and cost-effectiveness.

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Researchers Discover Midkine

Researchers at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital discovered that midkine protein may prevent Alzheimer’s by inhibiting amyloid beta clumping.
Previously linked to cancer, midkine's role in Alzheimer’s was poorly understood.
A study in Nature Structural & Molecular Biology confirmed midkine's inhibitory effect on amyloid beta assembly.
In mouse models, removing midkine raised amyloid beta levels, highlighting its protective function.
A UK trial is testing a blood test for p-tau217 to enhance early Alzheimer’s diagnosis among 1,100 participants.

1 / 2