Newswise — Increasing the expression of one gene in cells that assist the brain’s neurons protects neurons in mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease.
These findings come from a new study published Jan. 10 in Nature Communications. High activity of the gene, Nrf2, slowed cognitive and physical decline in the mice and reduced the accumulation of sticky proteins in their brains, all key markers of the disease in humans.
The work was led by University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Pharmacy professor Jeffrey Johnson and his collaborators at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland.
Researchers had previously identified Nrf2 as a therapeutic target for Parkinson’s disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, ALS. They are now looking for ways to increase the activity of Nrf2 as a potential therapy for Alzheimer’s, which has few good treatments and no cure.
The UW–Madison led team…
