by A recent study conducted by researchers from Brigham and Women’s Hospital has revealed the connection between neuroinflammation and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The study focused on the role of microglia, immune-regulating brain cells, and how their genetics contribute to the development of neuroinflammation, which in turn increases the risk of AD. The findings have significant implications for the development of targeted therapeutics for AD and related disorders. The study was published in Nature Communications.
According to Tracy Young-Pearse, Ph.D., the corresponding author of the study, microglia play important roles in both healthy and diseased brains. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this relationship are not fully understood. By identifying and understanding the genes involved in neuroinflammation, researchers can develop more effective and targeted treatments.
Neuroinflammation is a crucial factor to monitor in individuals with neurodegenerative diseases, such as AD. Detecting neuroinflammation early is challenging, but early identification allows for timely intervention. While microglia are involved in the process of neuroinflammation, there are still many unanswered questions regarding the molecular pathways at play.
The researchers utilized various experimental methods to investigate the relationship between levels of INPP5D, a gene found in microglia, and a specific type of brain inflammation known as inflammasome activation.
As part of the study, the team compared brain tissue samples from AD patients and a control group. They discovered lower levels of INPP5D in the AD patients’ tissues, and when INPP5D was reduced, it triggered inflammation. Additionally, the researchers used living human brain cells derived from stem cells to study the intricate molecular interactions within microglia that mediate inflammatory processes with a reduction of INPP5D. Through this, they identified specific proteins that could be targeted to block the activation of the inflammasome in microglia.
Although this study provides a comprehensive analysis of INPP5D in the AD brain, it is still uncertain whether targeting INPP5D with therapeutics is viable. The team acknowledges that further research is needed to determine if INPP5D can be targeted to prevent cognitive decline in AD patients, as the activity of INPP5D in AD brains is complex.
Young-Pearse suggests that while the results of their study show promise for INPP5D, there are still unanswered questions. Future studies that examine the interaction between INPP5D activity and inflammasome regulation are crucial for a better understanding of microglia in AD. This knowledge will aid in the development of a comprehensive range of therapeutics that can be used to address each molecular pathway leading to AD.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
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