Baylor College of Medicine Researchers Discover Protein Boost to Combat Alzheimer's
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have identified a process that can remove amyloid plaques from the brains of mouse models with Alzheimer's disease, potentially preserving memory and cognitive function. The study, published in Nature Neuroscience, focuses on astrocytes, which are support cells in the brain. By increasing levels of the protein Sox9, researchers found that astrocytes could more effectively clear amyloid plaques, which are toxic deposits associated with Alzheimer's. This discovery suggests a new treatment strategy that enhances the brain's natural support system to slow cognitive decline in neurodegenerative diseases.