Gene therapy shows promise for Alzheimer’s disease

Gene therapy shows promise for Alzheimer’s disease

San Diego VA researchers demonstrated in mouse models that targeting specific brain neurons through gene therapy in early-stage Alzheimer’s disease may help preserve memory and stimulate neuron growth. The researchers focused on the protein Cav-1, which promotes the growth and survival of connecting paths within the brain. They administered a synthetic copy of Cav-1, SynCav-1, to the brains of mice with an Alzheimer’s-like condition. SynCav-1 demonstrated the ability to preserve cognitive function and memory in the mice. Molecular analysis showed SynCav-1 protects neurons from degeneration and may even help grow new neuronal paths. The results suggest this type of gene therapy could be a promising new treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. View the full study from “Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy.”