SCIENCE · VERIFIED DEVELOPMENT
APOE4 Gene Linked to Early Brain Cell Shrinkage in Alzheimer's
WHY IT MATTERS
This discovery may lead to early interventions to prevent Alzheimer's progression, potentially improving treatment outcomes for individuals at risk.
What happened
Researchers have found a possible reason why the Alzheimer's risk gene APOE4 can disrupt the brain before memory problems begin. In mice, APOE4 increased a protein called Nell2, leading to neuron shrinkage and hyperactive memory circuits.
This early hyperactivity predicted worse memory later in life.
Reducing Nell2 in adult mice reversed abnormal changes, offering a potential new way to intervene before Alzheimer's progresses.
PRIMARY SOURCES
A major Alzheimer’s risk gene may shrink brain cells years before symptoms
ScienceDaily · Discovery only; verify against the cited research or institution when available