They are called astrocytes and are cells of the central nervous system with a characteristic star shape, as important as neurons. A team of scientists has discovered unprecedented potential that makes them a potential ally in the anti-Alzheimer’s key. In a study conducted by researchers from Baylor College of Medicine (USA), natural processes occurred in the brain involving them and may be able to remove existing amyloid plaques in a mouse model the disease steals memory, while also helping maintain memory and thinking abilities.
Action of ‘star’ cells
These supporting ‘stellate’ cells can be guided to eliminate the toxic buildup commonly seen in Alzheimer’s. In their study, the team increased the amount of a protein, Sox9, which influences many astrocyte functions during aging, and this is how cells become more effective at eliminating amyloid deposits. The results, published in ‘Nature Neuroscience’, suggest that strengthening astrocyte activity may one day help slow cognitive decline associated with neurodegenerative diseases, if indications found in these animal models are confirmed.
“Astrocytes perform several functions important for normal brain function, including facilitating “in-brain” communication and memory storage – explains the first author, Dong-Joo Choi, who led research at the Center for Cell and Gene Therapy and in the Department of Neurosurgery at Baylor and is now a professor at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston – As the brain ages, astrocytes show profound functional changes. However, the role of these changes “even” in neurodegeneration is not yet understood including”.
The key protein
The scientists’ attention was focused on Sox9, a protein that affects a large network of genes involved in astrocyte aging. And the research, Choi explained, was conducted in “mouse models of Alzheimer’s that had developed cognitive deficits, such as memory deficits, and having amyloid plaques in the brain“, as is the case in many human patients. In this model, the researchers increased or deleted the Sox9 gene and then monitored the cognitive performance of each mouse for 6 months. During this period, the animals were tested for their ability to recognize familiar objects and places. After the behavioral studies were completed, the team examined the brains to measure plaque buildup.
The results showed clear differences: reduction of Sox9 led to faster plaque accumulation, reduced structural complexity in astrocytes, and less plaque clearance. Increasing Sox9 has the opposite effect, increasing cellular activity, promotes plaque removal and maintains cognitive performance. These protective benefits suggest that increasing astrocyte engagement may help slow cognitive decline associated with neurodegenerative diseases, according to the authors.
The mechanism
“We found that increasing Sox9 expression stimulates astrocytes to engulf more amyloid plaques, removing them from the brain like a vacuum cleaner,” Deneen concluded. “Most current treatments focus on neurons or try to prevent the formation of amyloid plaques the natural ability of astrocytes to do housekeeping may be just as important“.
Choi, Deneen and colleagues point out that more research is needed to understand Sox9’s behavior in the human brain over time. However, the data collected suggests the possibility of developing potential therapies that harness the natural abilities of astrocytes to combat neurodegenerative diseases.
