Astrocyte Modulation: A Novel Therapeutic Target in Alzheimer's Disease

Abstract

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive cognitive decline, primarily due to the accumulation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques and hyperphosphorylated tau tangles, leading to neuronal dysfunction and loss. While neuronal pathology has historically been the focus of research, the crucial role of astrocytes, the most abundant glial cells in the brain, is increasingly recognized. Astrocytes are not mere supportive cells; they actively participate in synaptic function, neuronal metabolism, and inflammatory responses. In AD, astrocytes undergo reactive changes, termed astrogliosis, which can contribute to both neuroprotection and neurotoxicity depending on the context and stage of the disease. This paper proposes that modulating astrocytic function represents a promising, yet largely underexplored, therapeutic avenue for AD. We outline a research proposal focusing on identifying specific astrocytic pathways that, when modulated, can ameliorate AD neuropathology and cognitive deficits. (Smith et al., 2023).