Mutations linked to blood cancers may also drive Alzheimer's disease, according to a new study from Boston Children's Hospital published in Cell. The unexpected finding opens the door to blood-based screening and the repurposing of cancer drugs for Alzheimer's.
The Research
Researchers led by Christopher Walsh, MD, PhD, Chief of the Division of Genetics and Genomics at Boston Children's Hospital, analyzed 149 cancer-driving genes in brain tissue from 190 Alzheimer's patients and 121 healthy controls. They found that Alzheimer's brains had more single-letter DNA changes, with recurring mutations in five specific cancer driver genes.
These mutations appeared in microglia, the brain's immune cells. Surprisingly, the same mutations were found in blood cells from the same Alzheimer's patients, suggesting these cells migrate to the brain. The team proposes that age or injury weakens the blood-brain barrier, allowing immune cells with cancer mutations to enter and transform into microglia-like cells. These mutated cells may create a more inflammatory environment, damaging neurons and accelerating Alzheimer's progression.
Why It Matters
This discovery suggests that a blood test could identify mutations associated with increased Alzheimer's risk, since brain tissue is not easily accessible in living patients. Moreover, existing cancer drugs that target these mutations might be repurposed to treat Alzheimer's. "We find that to some extent, Alzheimer's disease is a little like cancer," says Walsh.
What You Can Do
While this is early-stage research, you can take proactive steps for brain health: maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and engage in cognitive challenges. Stay informed about future blood tests that may screen for these mutations.
Source: ScienceDaily Mind & Brain
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