Scientists from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Picower Institute for Learning and Memory have found that one of the reasons for the development of Alzheimer’s disease may be microglia malfunction caused by a mutation. The results of scientists’ research shared At Wiley Online Library.
The human nervous system consists of two main types of cells: nerve cells (neurons) and glial cells. Microglia are a type of neuroglia (glial cells) found in the brain and spinal cord. Microglial cells perform an immune function; They create a specific microenvironment for neurons that provides conditions for their survival and functioning.
Scientists found that the R47H/+ mutation in the TREM2 protein, encoded by the gene of the same name, is associated with neuronal damage, potentially resulting from microglial inflammation. Microglia are considered an important element of the inflammatory process that develops in nervous tissue in response to exposure to harmful factors and infections.
Researchers hypothesized that inflammation of microglia reduces their ability to clear amyloid beta protein from the brain. Intracellular accumulation of this protein in affected neurons is thought to be the main cause of Alzheimer’s disease.
Scientists hope that their discoveries will contribute to the development of new therapies and drugs for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
Previous scientists discovered A special protein that can improve memory and learning.