Saturday08 February 2025
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Closer to treating Alzheimer's disease: researchers have discovered a unique mechanism in neurons.

Our brain is an incredibly complex structure, much of which remains unexplored by scientists. However, their recent discoveries have not only enhanced our understanding of how we learn and retain information, but have also provided insights that could lead to breakthroughs in combating serious illnesses.
Ученые сделали шаг вперед в лечении болезни Альцгеймера, обнаружив уникальный механизм работы нейронов.

A recent study by scientists has uncovered a crucial pathway through which neurons transmit information from their extremities, such as dendrites, to their nucleus, enabling the activation of genes that are vital for learning and memory. This discovery sheds light on the molecular processes that link synaptic activity with long-term changes in the brain, providing significant insights into memory formation and cognitive functions, as well as hints for treating cognitive complications, reports University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus.

The research, led by Mark Dell'Acqua, a professor of pharmacology at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and published in the Journal of Neuroscience, investigated the mechanisms that allow neurons to coordinate local synaptic activity with gene expression in the neuron nucleus.

"This work is primarily a major scientific finding regarding a fundamental process in the functioning of nerve cells," says Dell'Acqua. "Understanding this relay system not only expands our knowledge of brain function but may also better justify therapeutic approaches to treating cognitive disorders."

The results highlighted the role of the cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), a transcription factor that regulates genes critical for synaptic changes. The cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) acts as a sort of "switch" within the cells of our brain, controlling the activation of specific genes.

When neurons in your brain are active, for instance, when we learn something new or recall something, signals are sent to CREB. Upon receiving these signals, CREB "turns on" the necessary genes to produce changes in brain cells, enhancing their ability to communicate with one another. This is crucial for long-term memory and learning.

For ease of understanding, one can think of CREB as a way for brain cells to turn on the light in a room full of tools needed to create stronger connections between neurons. Without this process, the brain would find it much more challenging to learn new things or retain memories.

While the role of CREB in learning and memory is well known, this study clarified the precise mechanisms that trigger it during neuronal activity. Using advanced microscopy techniques, graduate student Kathleen Zent and her team identified a relay system involving calcium signals generated by activated receptors and ion channels in dendrites.

These signals quickly reach the nucleus, triggering CREB activation and subsequent gene expression. This process enables neurons to integrate incoming signals from distant synapses and transform them into long-term functional and structural changes. The study demonstrates how neurons overcome the physical challenges associated with the distance between synaptic sites and the nucleus.

Dell'Acqua emphasized the potential implications of this discovery for understanding diseases that affect memory. "We can see which specific parts of this new mechanism are subject to intervention and exactly where," he explained, noting that this knowledge could aid in developing treatments for diseases like Alzheimer's and other cognitive disorders.

Targeting specific components of this pathway may allow researchers to combat gene expression disruptions associated with these diseases. Alzheimer's disease and related memory disorders pose a significant global challenge. According to the World Health Organization, over 55 million people worldwide live with dementia, and this number is expected to nearly double every 20 years.

Research into the molecular mechanisms of memory formation, like this study, could play a crucial role in alleviating this public health issue. Advances in understanding how memory-related genes are activated may pave the way for developing treatments that slow down or even reverse the most severe cognitive impairments.

Important! This article is based on the latest scientific and medical research and does not contradict them. The text is for informational purposes only and does not contain medical advice. For diagnosis, please consult a physician.