It seems that what we consider our enemy might actually lead to unexpected friendships. Recent research suggests a potential new method for treating Alzheimer’s disease that stems from cancer developments.
Scientists at Huazhong University of Science and Technology in China conducted a study with mice that were implanted with human cancer cells. They discovered that these mice showed protection against Alzheimer’s disease, likely due to a protein produced by the tumor cells known as cystatin-C, or cyst-C. This research, they believe, could pave the way for innovative treatments for this currently untreatable dementia.
“Our findings mark significant advancements in the fields of cancer and neuroscience, opening new therapeutic paths that differ from existing amyloid-targeting methods,” the researchers mentioned in their recent publication in the journal Cell.
A peculiar rivalry
The team aimed to clarify a strange observation noted in previous studies: individuals diagnosed with cancer appear less likely to later develop Alzheimer’s. Curiously, this relationship seems reciprocal, as those with Alzheimer’s are also less prone to cancer.
They studied mice genetically prone to Alzheimer’s by giving them various human cancer types—like lung, colon, and prostate cancer. The cancer-affected mice surprisingly did not display high levels of amyloid plaques, which are significant indicators of Alzheimer’s, when compared to the control group.
Seeking to understand this protective effect, the researchers found that the tumor cells in these mice produced substantial amounts of cyst-C. Notably, this protein seemed able to traverse the bloodstream, cross the blood-brain barrier and enter the brain.
In follow-up experiments, they noted that cyst-C could bind with amyloid oligomers—those toxic clumps that lead to plaques. Additionally, it appeared to activate microglia, the brain’s immune cells, through a receptor known as TREM2. These activated cells seemed more effective at clearing out amyloid plaques.
Furthermore, by introducing extra cyst-C to their Alzheimer’s mice, the researchers noted improvements in maze-solving abilities, suggesting enhancements in cognition and memory.
What this means moving forward
While this research is fascinating, it’s important to remember it’s still early. More investigations will be necessary to determine if cyst-C has similar effects in humans. And, of course, no one is recommending we seek out cancer as a strategy to prevent Alzheimer’s.
Nevertheless, these findings do open various avenues for researchers to explore future Alzheimer’s treatments, whether that involves cyst-C, TREM2 activation, or other substances linked to cancer cells. This exploration is critical, especially given the current estimate that over 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s—a number that could nearly double in the coming decades. Furthermore, today’s most effective medications only slightly slow the disease’s progression, which remains completely fatal.
