Ma Published in Neuron
Dr. Ma, et al. were able to restore the function of neurons linked to cognitive function and information processing in mice that mimic key features of Alzheimer’s disease, showing early promise for the development of a similar targeted therapy in humans.
The findings were published today in Neuron (external link).
At the core of the research is the relationship between gamma oscillations and parvalbumin interneurons in the brain. Gamma oscillations are rapid electrical rhythms that occur when an individual is learning, forming memories, and processing information. Parvalbumin interneurons, also referred to as PV cells, are primarily responsible for generating these gamma oscillations.
“Gamma oscillations are disrupted in the brain of Alzheimer’s patients,” said first author Keran Ma, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston. “Even before patients are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, when they start to show some symptoms—for example, mild cognitive impairment—changes in gamma oscillations are already present. Early on in Alzheimer’s disease, the disrupted gamma oscillations are accompanied by progressive PV cell dysfunction.”
Read more on the MMS News (external link) page.