Scientists have found a new approach to treating Alzheimer's disease
Scientists at Gakuin University in Japan have developed a chimeric protein to target Alzheimer's disease drugs to the hippocampus, the brain's memory center. The study was published in the journal PNAS.
In neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, the neurons in the hippocampus are the first to deteriorate. However, existing dementia drugs cannot effectively penetrate the brain or accumulate in this area. To solve this problem, the researchers explored the possibility of creating a “package” to deliver drugs directly to the hippocampus. They discovered that the hormone insulin has the necessary properties for this purpose.
A chimeric molecule was created based on insulin, which combines part of it with other protein structures. During experiments on mice, the protein construct successfully penetrated the brain and accumulated in the hippocampus, both when administered through the blood and through the nose. Nerve cells actively absorbed these molecules.
Scientists believe that the new technology could significantly improve the effectiveness of treating Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases. However, further testing in volunteers is necessary for implementation into clinical practice.
