Brain Mapping Breakthrough Offers New Insights into Alzheimer's Disease: Study
Researchers from The University of Texas at Arlington and the University of California-San Francisco have used a new brain-mapping technique to identify memory-related brain cells vulnerable to protein buildup, a key factor in the development of Alzheimer’s disease, an incurable, progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills.
To understand why certain parts of the brain are more affected by Alzheimer's disease, researchers focused on tau, a protein that accumulates in brain cells and disrupts normal activity.
Using the MISS (Matrix Inversion and Subset Selection) mapping technique, which profiled approximately 1.3 million cells, the research team created detailed maps of different cell types in the brains of mice. They compared these maps to areas where tau builds up to identify which cell types are most affected.
Their findings are published in the peer-reviewed journal Nature Communications Biology.
The researchers also discovered that oligodendrocytes, brain cells that help insulate nerve fibers, were less affected by tau. This suggests that these cells might help to protect the brain against tau buildup.
The study also found that the distribution of different cell types in the brain may better predict where tau accumulation occurs than genetic factors alone
“Overall, this study helps us understand why certain brain regions are more affected by tau buildup leading to Alzheimer's disease,” said author Pedro Maia, an assistant professor of mathematics at UTA.
“By identifying the cell types and gene functions involved, our study showcases how theoretical and computational models can provide new insights into the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. This is another piece of valuable data that will help us specifically target the vulnerable cells and genes associated with tau buildup, potentially slowing or preventing Alzheimer's disease progression in the future.”
Ref: Torok, J., Maia, P.D., Anand, C. et al. Searching for the cellular underpinnings of the selective vulnerability to tauopathic insults in Alzheimer’s disease. Commun Biol 8, 195 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-025-07575-1
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