Scientists have unveiled the secret to brain recovery, discovering the role of hidden protectors that shield neurons.

Neurons, the primary workers of the brain, receive the most scientific and public attention, but they could not function without their loyal allies — glial cells. These supportive cells supply nutrients, remove waste, and protect neurons from damage. Researchers have now discovered a new way to detect neuron damage and respond to it by repairing these areas, reports Rockefeller University.

A study published in the journal Nature Communications revealed that two important proteins help glial cells monitor tiny hair-like structures known as cilia, which are located on nerve endings. This discovery may assist researchers in understanding diseases caused by defects in these cilia, such as polycystic kidney disease.

Neurons communicate using two main components — axons, which send signals, and dendrites, which receive them. Some dendrites utilize cilia to detect smells, light, and other signals. While scientists have previously studied how glial cells care for axons, they have not dedicated much time to exploring how these helper cells protect dendrites and their cilia. Since issues with them are linked to diseases, researchers aimed to learn more about these processes.

"We knew practically nothing about the interaction between glial cells and dendrites, even though they are just as important as axons," says Shai Shaham, a study author from Rockefeller University. To investigate this, scientists studied tiny worms known as C. elegans. These worms are widely used in research due to their simple and well-studied biology. Unlike humans, they only have cilia at the ends of their dendrites, making it easier to observe what happens when glial cells stop functioning.

"By studying nematodes, we were able to decipher very specific interactions between dendrites and glia," says Katherine Varandas, the lead author of the study. The researchers employed advanced tools to modify the worms' genes, track their cells using fluorescent markers, and analyze how glial cells respond to cilia damage. They found that the cells sense damage to the cilia and respond by accumulating protective proteins and altering their behavior.

Two proteins play a crucial role in this process — DGS-1 in neurons and FIG-1 in glial cells. When these proteins are altered, glial cells respond as if there is damage, even when the cilia are intact. This finding may help scientists understand similar processes in humans. Since many animals, including humans, rely on cilia for sensory functions, these conclusions might be applicable beyond just worms.

Researchers hope to study glial cells in mammals, which could eventually lead to new treatment methods for diseases caused by cilia damage. Cilia malfunction is associated with serious conditions such as polycystic kidney disease, affecting over 600,000 individuals in the U.S. alone.

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