A research team at the Institut de Neurociències at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (INc-UAB) has unveiled a groundbreaking protein, HEBE, that demonstrates significant potential in improving memory and reducing tau protein levels in animal models of Alzheimer’s disease. The protein, a result of a novel approach, could offer new hope in the ongoing search for effective therapies against the neurodegenerative disease.
The new chimeric protein, HEBE, was created by combining three individual proteins: s-Klotho (s-KL), sTREM2, and TIMP2. Each of these proteins has previously shown promise in mitigating the effects of Alzheimer’s. This innovative combination marks a significant departure from traditional therapies, which have often focused on a single protein target with limited success. The complexity of aging and neurodegenerative processes has made finding effective treatments challenging.
The team behind this research consists of experts from multiple disciplines, including gene therapy for central nervous system diseases, systems pharmacology, bioinformatics, and Alzheimer’s neurobiology. Their collaborative efforts have led to the development of HEBE, which was carefully designed using computer simulations to bind the three proteins effectively. These simulations were followed by rigorous tests in cells and murine models, which confirmed the protein’s stability and therapeutic potential.
Published in Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, the study reports promising results. Mice treated with the chimeric protein showed notable improvements in memory, alongside a reduction in tau protein levels, which are a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease. While the protein’s impact on beta-amyloid levels was less pronounced, there was still a slight reduction observed.
Jon Esandi, a researcher at INc-UAB and the study’s first author, expressed optimism about the findings. “HEBE represents a step forward in the development of new therapeutic strategies against Alzheimer’s disease,” Esandi said.
Miguel Chillón, the coordinator of the research, added, “The results we present show the potential of HEBE and pave the way for its possible application in the clinic.”
This discovery marks a promising new direction in Alzheimer’s research, offering hope for more effective treatment options in the future.
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