Gaby
Researchers have shed new light on Alzheimer’s disease, offering hope for the discovery of new treatment methods for this complex condition.
A team from Arizona State University has suggested that stress granules—clusters of proteins and RNA that form around cells due to genetic and environmental factors—are a primary cause of Alzheimer’s disease.
The team analyzed data from several medical databases and previous studies, including a 2022 study on the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, to identify common changes in gene expression associated with the illness.
As is well known, Alzheimer’s disease triggers significant changes at an early stage, effectively reshaping biological pathways. This leads to increased cellular stress, disruption of neural connections, and protein anomalies, such as the accumulation of beta-amyloid. However, scientists still do not fully understand what drives this catastrophic change in gene behavior, according to Science Alert.
Typically, stress granules protect cells. But in Alzheimer’s disease, they likely persist and disrupt other processes, particularly the so-called nucleocytoplasmic transport—the exchange between the nucleus and the cytoplasm of the cell, which occurs through nuclear pores.
“Our hypothesis about this disruption in the connection between the nucleus and cytoplasm, leading to severe gene expression disturbances, provides a plausible basis for a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms underlying this complex disease,” noted Paul Coleman, the lead author of the study. He added that “studying the early manifestations of Alzheimer’s disease could pave the way for innovative approaches to diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.”
According to the hypothesis, stress granules disrupt the cellular transport system, altering gene expression. This, in turn, opens the door to all the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, such as neuroinflammation and tau protein tangles. In other words, various aspects of Alzheimer’s may stem from a single source.
Since this cellular stress occurs before the symptoms of the disease appear, scientists may be able to intervene early to block the disease. It’s possible that many symptoms can be prevented right from the start.
Various factors, from air pollution to genetic mutations, may contribute to the prolonged retention of these stress granules. Future research will help clarify how they form and how they cause harm.
“Our study contributes to the ongoing discussion about when Alzheimer’s disease actually begins; this is a concept evolving with advancements in technology. Key questions include when the disease can be detected and when intervention should start. Both of these questions have profound implications for society and future medical approaches,” said Mr. Coleman.
The findings of this research were published in the journal Alzheimer’s and Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association.
