Tag: Alzheimer's

Yesterday in Aging Cell, researchers published their findings that using gene therapy to overexpress a synaptic promoter increases cognitive ability in ordinary, middle-aged mice. Hevin vs. SPARC Astrocytes are general-purpose helper cells of the brain, and one of their tasks is to maintain synapse structure [1]. They secrete synapse-modifying molecules, including members of the SPARC...

A new study dives into a human-derived probiotic cocktail meant to protect against Alzheimer’s disease. The treatment improves gut health and reduces inflammation in mice [1]. The earlier, the better Early interventions to prevent or delay Alzheimer's disease might be a more feasible approach than reversing the disease when it is fully developed. However, such...

Researchers have found that kinesin family member 9 (KIF9), a protein that diminishes with aging, is instrumental in allowing cells to consume harmful proteins and fights Alzheimer's in a mouse model. Consuming amyloids before they become a problem What is Autophagy?Autophagy, derived from ancient Greek, means "eating of self". Autophagy is the way cells break...

A novel therapy based on induced neuronal stem cells shows promise in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease – and it can be administered intranasally [1]. Who needs cells? Stem cell therapies have made great strides in recent decades. They have been successfully employed against numerous diseases, from cancer to osteoarthritis. However, storing, transporting, and...

Boosting a key autophagy-related protein discourages a core component of Alzheimer's from taking hold, according to a study published in Aging Cell. Taking out the trash Autophagy is the maintenance process of the cell, in which autophagosomes engulf unwanted organelles and other material and fuse together with lysosomes to be digested. As these unwanted components...

Scientists have shown that long-term intermittent reprogramming limited to hippocampal neurons increases their fitness and improves cognitive function in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease [1]. Targeted in time and space Partial cellular reprogramming is one of the hottest directions in longevity research for a reason: it allows to rejuvenate cells without driving them all...