A new study indicates that a gene mutation could provide protection against Alzheimer’s disease. The research focused on blood stem cells found in the bone marrow, which produce various blood cell types. The study reveals that mutations on a specific gene may have a positive impact on Alzheimer’s disease.
The study, published in the journal Cell Stem Cell, examined the interaction between blood stem cells and the brain, highlighting how mutations on a single gene could potentially guard against Alzheimer’s. According to study co-author and Baylor College of Medicine professor, Katherine King, MD, PhD, these blood cells have the ability to enter the brain, which is significant in Alzheimer’s research.
Research findings suggest that individuals with mutations in the TET2 gene, identified in both mice and humans, had a lower likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s disease. The study indicates a potential protective effect of this mutation.
Blood stem cells, also known as hematopoietic stem cells, play a crucial role in producing a range of blood cells essential for bodily functions, such as red blood cells and immune cells. These cells help maintain overall health and aid in removing cellular waste and damaged tissues.
As individuals age, blood stem cells may acquire mutations, leading to clonal hematopoiesis, which has been associated with various health conditions. However, mutations in the TET2 gene can potentially travel to the brain and assist in clearing damaged tissues that accumulate with age, particularly in Alzheimer’s disease.
This groundbreaking research suggests that mutated blood stem cells may contribute to the process of clearing out harmful substances in the brain. While the discovery holds promise for future treatments, further research is needed to explore potential therapeutic interventions targeting supportive brain cells to combat aging-related brain issues.
At St. John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California, a potential future treatment could assist healthy cells in eliminating old or unhealthy cells to potentially enhance brain health, according to Dr. King. However, she notes that this process is complex, stating, “The changes in stem cells are not entirely harmless; there are both risks and benefits involved. The same alterations that could aid in treating Alzheimer’s disease also have associations with conditions like heart disease and strokes.” Dr. King suggests that it might be feasible to modify stem cells to follow specific pathways that boost brain function without posing risks, but further research is needed to confirm this.
