A protein to reverse cognitive decline
Scientists from University of Glasgow and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) have discovered that a protein called IL-33 can reverse Alzheimer’s disease-like pathology and cognitive decline in mice, giving hope to the 65 million people who are projected to develop the disease by 2030.
University of Glasgow Professor Eddy Liew, a fellow of the Royal Society, explained that IL-33 is a protein produced by various cell types which is particularly abundant in the central nervous system. He noted that previous genetic studies have shown an association between IL-33 mutations and Alzheimer’s disease, with the brains of Alzheimer’s patients containing less IL-33 than the brains of non-Alzheimer’s patients.
The hallmarks of Alzheimer’s include the presence of extracellular amyloid plaque deposits and the formation of neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. IL-33 appears to work by mobilising microglia (immune cells in the brain) to surround the amyloid plaques, take them up and digest them, thus reducing their size and number. It does so by inducing an enzyme called neprilysin, which is known to degrade soluble amyloid.
In addition, the IL-33 treatment worked by inhibiting the inflammation in the brain tissue, which has been shown earlier to potentiate plaque and tangle formation. Therefore, IL-33 not only helps to clear the amyloid plaque already formed but also prevent the deposition of the plaques and tangles in the first place.
This was confirmed through the team’s experiments on a strain of mouse (APP/PS1) that develops progressive Alzheimer’s-like disease with ageing. Professor Liew said, “We found that injection of IL-33 into aged APP/PS1 mice rapidly improved their memory and cognitive function to that of the age-matched normal mice within a week.”
The study has been published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The research team will soon follow it up with a Phase I clinical trial to test the toxicity of IL-33 at the doses used.
'Low-risk' antibiotic linked to rise of dangerous superbug
A new study has challenged the long-held belief that rifaximin — commonly prescribed to...
Robotic hand helps cultivate baby corals for reef restoration
The soft robotic hand could revolutionise the delicate, labour-intensive process of cultivating...
Stem cell experiments conducted in space
Scientists are one step closer to manufacturing stem cells in space — which could speed up...
