New Brain Cell Cleaner: Astrocytes Raise Possibility of Alzheimer’s Disease Treatment

Credit: Korea Institute of Science and Technology

The mechanism of astrocytic autophagy plasticity plays a crucial role in AD. When the autophagy-regulating genes (LC3B and SQSTM1) in astrocytes are activated, Aβ is efficiently removed, which is important for cognitive recovery.

« New Brain Cell Cleaner: Astrocytes Raise Possibility of Alzheimer’s Disease Treatment

Credit: Korea Institute of Science and Technology

(A) Increased expression of autophagy factors (LC3B, observed as blue dots) in astrocytes (GFAP) in the brain tissues of AD patients. (B) Increases in reactive astrocytes and autophagy gene expression in the brain tissues of AD patients. (C) Correlation between increased reactive astrocytes and autophagy gene expression was confirmed in the brain tissues of AD patients.

« New Brain Cell Cleaner: Astrocytes Raise Possibility of Alzheimer’s Disease Treatment

Credit: Korea Institute of Science and Technology

Inhibition of autophagy, specifically in astrocytes, prevents the removal of Aβ via autophagic vesicles, which could worsen dementia pathology.

« New Brain Cell Cleaner: Astrocytes Raise Possibility of Alzheimer’s Disease Treatment

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