New Insights into Alzheimer's: Beyond Amyloid Beta
Recent studies reveal the significant role of glial cells and protein co-accumulation in Alzheimer's disease, suggesting novel therapeutic targets.
- Researchers found that glial cells, not just neurons, produce amyloid beta, contributing to plaque formation.
- Emory University identified over 20 proteins that co-accumulate with amyloid beta, potentially driving brain cell damage.
- Blocking BACE1 enzyme in glial cells and neurons significantly reduced plaque formation in mice.
- Midkine and pleiotrophin proteins were shown to accelerate amyloid aggregation, presenting new therapeutic targets.
- These discoveries challenge the traditional linear amyloid cascade hypothesis, highlighting the complexity of Alzheimer's pathology.
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