In a breakthrough that offers new hope for tackling Alzheimer’s disease, Israeli researchers say they’ve developed a synthetic molecule that completely restored brain function in mice with Alzheimer’s.
The research was carried out at Ben-Gurion University and published in the journal Translational Neurodegeneration. Although human trials are still years away, the scientists behind the study believe their discovery could one day lead to an effective treatment for Alzheimer’s.
A New Approach to an Old Problem
The team gave the new molecule to 30 mice with Alzheimer’s and, remarkably, all of them regained full cognitive function. That means the treated mice performed just as well on memory and learning tests as healthy mice who had never developed the disease.
Unlike most current research, which focuses on reducing the buildup of plaque in the brain, this study targeted a different problem — mitochondrial dysfunction. Mitochondria are the “powerhouses” of cells, and when they stop working properly, it can lead to inflammation, immune issues, and eventually, cell death. All of these are linked to Alzheimer’s.
What’s the Science Behind It?
The researchers zeroed in on a specific protein called VDAC1, which helps regulate mitochondrial energy. In mice with Alzheimer’s, VDAC1 is overproduced, and that excess causes damage.
So the scientists created a molecule designed to bind to VDAC1 and block its harmful effects. The result? Reduced cell death and better brain function.
What the Testing Showed
The molecule was given to the mice through their drinking water for five months. By the end of the study, the treated mice had regained their memory and cognitive abilities, while untreated mice continued to decline.
Brain scans confirmed the difference. Mice that didn’t get the treatment showed major neuron loss and poor metabolism. Treated mice had healthy brains with no signs of cell death.
“Our molecule doesn’t focus on plaque, like many Alzheimer’s drugs in development,” said lead researcher Prof. Varda Shoshan-Barmatz. “Instead, we target what’s happening around the plaque—especially the mitochondrial damage caused by VDAC1.”
A Long Road Ahead
The scientists have formed a startup called Tamarix to help move their discovery toward human testing. But even with promising results, they caution that it will take time — probably seven to ten years — before the molecule could become a usable drug.
Still, this study shines a light on a completely different approach to treating Alzheimer’s. By looking beyond brain plaque and focusing on cell health, researchers might finally be on the path to finding a real treatment.
Source:
https://translationalneurodegeneration.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.11…
https://molecularneurodegeneration.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s…
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