A nurse (right) helps an Alzheimer’s patient with lunch – Copyright AFP PHILIPPE LOPEZ
The accumulation of pathological proteins is a hallmark of several neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s, frontotemporal dementia and Parkinson’s. Proteins such as alpha-synuclein and tau can accumulate abnormally in neurons, disrupting important cellular functions. What role do different cell types play in this process?
The human brain is made up of many cell types, from the well-known neurons to the lesser-known microglia. The latter are an essential part of the brain’s immune system and play an important role in the brain’s cleanup work.
A recent study shows that microglia establish connections to neurons through tunneling nanotubes (long extensions that can connect distant cells in the brain).
Here, researchers have observed that microglia use these tubes to facilitate the removal of toxic proteins from neurons and promote neuronal health.
In particular, research points to known genetic mutations that could contribute to various neurodegenerative diseases.
To explore future interventions, the researchers used cultures of neurons and microglia derived from either mouse models or human stem cells and used imaging technologies to demonstrate that microglia make contact with neurons via tunneling nanotubes to protect them from toxic protein accumulation.
In addition, it has been discovered how microglia transport healthy mitochondria, the powerhouses of cells, to affected neurons. This significantly reduces oxidative stress, restores vital functions and ultimately saves these nerve cells.
The research appears in the journal Neuronentitled “Microglia rescue neurons from aggregate-induced neuronal dysfunction and death through tunneling nanotubes.”
Donanemab approved
In related news, early-stage Alzheimer’s patients now have another option to slow their disease: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved donanemab.
The campaign group UsAgainstAlzheimer’s has expressed its support for this new choice for patients.
The technology is based on a study that has shown it clears plaque in the brain within months in most patients. This means some patients will have the opportunity to stop taking the drug in a year or less, again reducing the burden on patients and caregivers.
“This new therapy is a significant milestone in our fight against Alzheimer’s,” said UsAgainstAzheimer Chairman and Co-Founder George Vradenburg in a statement to Digital Journal.
“By slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s disease with a drug that can be stopped, early-stage patients and their doctors have a second opportunity to slow the progression of the disease. A second treatment for early-stage Alzheimer’s gives doctors another reason to detect cognitive decline and accurately diagnose and treat Alzheimer’s at its earliest stages, giving patients the invaluable gift of time. It is time to implement a program of annual cognitive screening to ensure that Alzheimer’s is detected early and accurately diagnosed.”
