Researchers have recently made a significant discovery about Alzheimer’s disease. They found over 150 control signals in brain cells called astrocytes. These astrocytes support neurons, which tend to suffer damage in Alzheimer’s. Interestingly, astrocytes can turn from helpful to harmful in this disease.
Led by the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Australia, this research dives into why astrocytes fail in their supportive role. Understanding these “switches” in our DNA could lead to better treatments for Alzheimer’s.
Enhancers are sequences in our non-coding DNA, often labeled “junk DNA.” They don’t code genes directly but function like dials for gene activity. Irina Voineagu, a molecular biologist at UNSW, explains that many genetic changes linked to diseases like hypertension, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s occur not within genes but in these enhancer regions. This finding could reshape how we view genetic influences on various health conditions.
The researchers utilized a tool called CRISPRi. This innovative technology allows scientists to mute sections of DNA without cutting them. They tested nearly 1,000 regions thought to contain enhancers in lab-grown astrocytes. This approach helped identify about 150 functional enhancers that impact genes associated with Alzheimer’s.
The way enhancers connect to genes is crucial. Many enhancers are far from their target genes, making them tricky to study. Understanding these connections can lead to insights into the brain’s genetic wiring.
Looking ahead, artificial intelligence could help researchers discover even more enhancers. While we’re not at the therapy stage yet, this research lays the groundwork for future treatments. Voineagu emphasizes that grasping the “wiring diagram” of gene regulation in astrocytes is vital.
Alzheimer’s is multifaceted, and the role of astrocytes is just one piece of the puzzle. More research is necessary to see if these enhancers behave the same way when astrocytes become overactive, as they do in Alzheimer’s.
This study marks another important step in uncovering the intricate genetics of Alzheimer’s. Published in Nature Neuroscience, it opens up the possibility of developing strategies to protect against this complex disease.
For further information, see the original research paper here.
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