The research, published Aug. 26 in the journal Cell Biomaterials, suggests that reducing levels of a key protein in another type of cell in the brain, called astrocytes, may convert those cells into neurons. The adult brain has a limited capacity to produce new neurons, at baseline, and an even more limited ability to replace neurons lost to disease.
Astrocytes are abundant, star-shaped cells in the brain that protect and support the functions of neurons. A crucial protein for astrocyte development is called PTBP1, and previously, scientists suggested that eliminating this protein in astrocytes may convert them into neurons. In that study, researchers reported converting astrocytes in the mouse brain into neurons by eliminating the gene that coded for PTBP1.
"We felt it's strange [that] two groups of people got different conclusions," he told Live Science.
Once it reaches astrocytes in the brain, the antibody binds to PTBP1 and drives the cell's internal machinery to destroy the protein.
The team applied a tool called Nano-Eraser to inhibit the protein PTBP1 in astrocytes. This changed them into neurons, they report. (Image credit: Created with BioRender.com)
The team first tested the gel in human astrocytes grown in lab dishes. Over the course of days, astrocytes exposed to the gel lost their characteristic star shape and started to form axons — the wires from which neurons send messages. Proteins typically found in neurons also became more abundant in the astrocytes.
The researchers then tested the gel in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease. These lab mice had lost neurons and had developed some characteristic features of Alzheimer's disease, such as inflammation, loss of cognitive function, and sticky clumps of a protein in the brain.
However, while the lab-dish experiments indicated that astrocytes converted into neurons, that finding has not been confirmed in live mice, Xu said.
Related stories
Alzheimer's comes in at least 5 distinct forms, study revealsTiny 'brains' grown in the lab could become conscious and feel pain — and we're not readyScientists just discovered a big limitation in lab-grown minibrains — they have a skewed 'sense of time'
Xu and his team now plan to probe further into astrocyte conversion in live mice. Before they can move to clinical trials with people, he said, the safety and effectiveness of the treatment would need to be tested in nonhuman primates.
"That's something that needs to be tested step by step," she said.
See how much you know about the most complex organ in the human body with our brain quiz!
Hence then, the article about scientists invent a gel that creates neurons from other cells which could help treat alzheimer s was published today ( ) and is available on Live Science ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Scientists invent a gel that creates neurons from other cells, which could help treat Alzheimer's )
Also on site :
- Ukraine-Russia war latest: Moscow warns UK ‘playing with fire’ over plans to help Kyiv produce missiles
- Don’t Sleep on These 11 Trader Joe’s September Gems Before They’re Gone for the Season
- Iran-US war latest: Tehran drafting list of conditions to open Hormuz as Trump sends new warship to Middle East