Researchers curb Alzheimer’s protein in mice
A new group of compounds reduced amyloid proteins in human nerve cells and a mouse model, but has not yet been tested in people.
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Researchers at Indiana University have developed compounds that may reduce the formation of Alzheimer’s-related amyloid plaques. The results were published in Advanced Science, but the approach has not yet been tested in clinical studies involving people.
The researchers used so-called molecular glues: small compounds that bring two proteins closer together, thereby stimulating the breakdown of amyloid precursor protein. That protein can contribute to the formation of amyloid beta, a component of plaques found in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s.
In experiments with human nerve cells derived from stem-cell models, the compounds reduced the amount of the precursor protein and amyloid beta. In a mouse model of Alzheimer’s, a leading compound also reduced the amount of plaques in the brain. The researchers reported no physical or behavioural abnormalities in the mice at the doses tested.
The study was published in a peer-reviewed journal, but that does not mean the treatment is effective or safe for people. Animal and cell models only partially replicate Alzheimer’s. The researchers themselves say that the pharmacology and efficacy must first be improved further before a clinical study can begin.
The approach differs from existing antibodies that target amyloid which has already formed. The new compounds attempt to reduce the amount of precursor protein earlier in the process. That could provide a research avenue, but the study says nothing yet about memory, daily functioning or preventing dementia in patients.
The study was partly funded by US research institutes. Two researchers involved also founded a university company to develop the method further. That is relevant to the further development of a medicine based on the method, but is no evidence that the compound is already available or will soon be used in healthcare.
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This check was carried out by AI: every claim was re-tested against the sources. Even an approved article can contain errors — stay critical.
The research findings and peer-reviewed status were checked with Indiana University and Wiley. The text limits the conclusions to cell and mouse experiments and explicitly states that trials in people are still lacking.
- confirmed The compounds reduced amyloid precursor protein and amyloid beta in human nerve-cell models. — Described in the article and the university’s explanation. source
- confirmed A leading compound reduced the amount of plaques in mice. — The university summarises the mouse experiments in this way. source
- confirmed The study was published in Advanced Science. — The publication appears at Wiley and is linked to by Indiana University. source
- confirmed The compounds have not yet been tested in clinical studies involving people. — The researchers write that further research is needed before clinical tests can begin. source
Editor's note
The results have been peer-reviewed and show effects in cells and mice. There is no clinical evidence in people yet; the potential treatment is therefore explicitly not described as a breakthrough or an available medicine.Sources
- IU scientists create compounds that show early promise in reducing Alzheimer’s-linked brain plaques — Indiana University School of Medicine
- Molecular Glue Degraders Enhance CAPRIN1-Dependent Lysosomal Degradation of APP and Reduce Amyloid β in Alzheimer’s Disease — Advanced Science / Wiley
- NIH Research News — National Institutes of Health
More on this in Dutch media
- NU.nl — „alzheimer amyloïde”
- De Telegraaf — „alzheimer amyloïde”
- AD — „alzheimer amyloïde”