A team of scientists from SPbPU, St. Petersburg Polytechnic University Peter the Great, has identified a novel approach to addressing Alzheimer’s disease. The breakthrough centers on restoring cognitive function by precisely manipulating astrocytes, the supportive brain cells that regulate neuronal activity. Findings from this work were published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences (IJMS).
Alzheimer’s disease stands as the most common form of dementia, progressively challenging memory, thinking, and daily communication. It stems from damage to the synapses—the tiny gaps where neurons exchange signals. When these connections falter, thinking clarity and memory suffer, affecting speech, writing, and spatial awareness.
The researchers from SPbPU propose that normalizing neuron performance could be achieved by stimulating astrocytes. These cells supply nutrients to neurons, support nearby synapses, and help regulate their activity. In experiments conducted with laboratory mice, scientists illuminated a sensitive protein located outside the astrocyte membrane. This illumination prompted astrocytes to release gliotransmitters, signaling molecules that promote neuronal plasticity and accelerate the speed of nerve signal transmission.
The team suggests that gliotransmitters may help rebuild neuronal connections that become damaged during the course of Alzheimer’s disease, offering a potential path to restoring neural circuits involved in memory and other cognitive functions.
Earlier reports described a product concept believed to assist in fighting Alzheimer’s disease, reflecting the ongoing exploration of astrocyte-centered therapies and their potential to complement existing approaches.