Category Archives: Research

Age-Related Mutations in Brain Immune Cells Linked to Alzheimer’s Inflammation

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Researchers have uncovered evidence that age-related genetic mutations commonly associated with cancer and blood disorders may also contribute to the chronic brain inflammation characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease.

In a study published in Cell, investigators from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and Boston Children’s Hospital identified somatic mutations in brain immune cells from patients with Alzheimer’s disease. The findings suggest that genetic alterations acquired during aging may reshape the behavior of these cells, driving inflammatory processes linked to neurodegeneration.

The work introduces a potential new biological mechanism connecting aging, immune dysfunction, and Alzheimer’s disease, a condition that affects millions of people worldwide and remains one of the leading causes of dementia.

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Researchers Find Cancer-Linked Mutations in Alzheimer’s Brain Cells

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The microglia are small immune cells that patrol the brain looking for damage and invaders. When they encounter damage, infections, or protein plaques, they retract their many arms and turn into a rounded blob that eats invaders and toxins, and alerts other immune cells. 

In Alzheimer’s, these protective cells go haywire, leading to excess inflammation which might help drive the disease. 

Previous research suggested an unexpected explanation for the phenomenon: A cancer-driving genetic mutation in the microglia. August Yue Huang, a researcher at Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, wanted to know whether the microglia of people with Alzheimer’s harbored more of these mutations than in healthy aging adults. 

His recent study in the journal Cell showed that microglia harbor multiple cancer-driving mutations, shifting them into a pro-inflammatory state that may contribute to Alzheimer’s. 

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New Tool That Tracks How the Brain Removes Waste Could Offer Clues About Alzheimer’s

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The gold standard for studying movement within neurological networks involves injecting tracer substances into cerebrospinal fluid, the liquid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. But due to the extra volume introduced to the brain system, extra fluid can disrupt normal brain processes and often produces only a broad picture of fluid flow rather than highlighting pathways that could be linked to neurological disease.

“These injected tracers disturb the very system we’re attempting to measure,” said Yang. “We wanted to find a better way.”

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What Your Genetic Risk For Alzheimer’s Means

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Scientists have long known that genetics play a role in Alzheimer’s disease risk. Some genetic markers appear to increase the likelihood of developing the condition, while others seem to offer a degree of protection against cognitive decline and brain aging.

One of the most important genes researchers study is called APOE. Everyone inherits two copies, but the specific version you carry may influence how resilient your brain is over time. In particular, one version called APOE4 is strongly linked to a higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease, while another, APOE2, is associated with lower risk and even exceptional longevity.

Now, new research may help explain why (and why some may be more resilient to aging than others).

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