Study Links Cellular Stress to Alzheimer's Progression

Recent research from the Advanced Science Research Center at the CUNY Graduate Center has identified crucial mechanisms linking cellular stress to Alzheimer's disease progression. The study highlights the dual roles of microglia, the brain's primary immune cells, which can either protect or exacerbate neurodegeneration. By targeting a stress-related signaling pathway known as the integrated stress response (ISR), researchers found that blocking this response can prevent the production of toxic lipids that harm neurons and oligodendrocyte progenitor cells. Furthermore, the study revealed a population of harmful microglia, dubbed 'dark microglia,' that are significantly elevated in Alzheimer's patients. These findings suggest new therapeutic avenues for potentially reversing Alzheimer’s symptoms in preclinical models. Additionally, another study indicates that microglia can digest large amyloid plaques, opening doors for therapies aimed at enhancing this capability.