In a groundbreaking study, researchers from Belgium and the UK have discovered how brain cells die in Alzheimer’s disease, providing a crucial clue to the mechanisms behind neuron death in this debilitating condition. The study transplanted human brain cells into the brains of genetically modified mice, which were programmed to produce large quantities of abnormal amyloid. The research found that the disease progresses through necroptosis, a process triggered by the accumulation of abnormal amyloid and tau proteins.
Necroptosis and Alzheimer’s Disease
Necroptosis is a form of programmed cell death that differs from apoptosis, the more commonly known cell death process. Unlike apoptosis, which involves the orderly breakdown and removal of cells, necroptosis results in the sudden rupture of the cell membrane, spilling the cell’s contents into the surrounding tissue. This triggers an inflammatory response, which can further damage nearby brain cells.
The researchers discovered that the buildup of abnormal amyloid and tau proteins activates the necroptosis pathway in human brain cells, leading to their demise. This provides a new understanding of the underlying mechanisms of Alzheimer’s disease, which could pave the way for the development of targeted therapies to prevent or slow the progression of the condition.