Korea researchers said they have identified a gene that produces neurotoxic components in Alzheimer’s disease, in a step forward to finding a cure for the degenerative brain disease.

The state-run Korea National Institute of Health said on Monday that a team led by Dr. Koh Young-ho at its biomedical science division found small ubiquitin-related modifier (SUMO) 1 protein.

The team found in lab testing with mice that SUMO1 integrates with BACE1, a key enzyme which accelerates the production and deposition of the toxin called amyloid-beta peptide (Abeta) in human brains.

The latest discovery is expected to be published in the peer-reviewed scientific journal Neurobiology of Aging.

The institute said it hopes this will further lead researchers and scientists to develop medicines for patients with Alzheimer’s.

More than 460 out of 5,357 people aged over 65 sampled in a 2010 survey had dementia, and the number is expected to increase as Korea’s population is rapidly aging, according to the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

By Park Hyong-ki (hkp@heraldcorp.com)