NeuralCipher Research overview
The text below is the source article’s original abstract under a verified reuse license. cc by
A slow decline in the autophagy-lysosomal pathway is a hallmark of the normal aging brain. Yet, an acceleration of this cellular function may propel neurodegenerative events. In fact, mutations in genes associated with the autophagy-lysosomal pathway can lead to Parkinson's disease. Also, amyloidogenic protein deposition is observed in lysosomal storage disorders, which are caused by genetic mutations representing risk factors for Parkinson's disease. For example, Gaucher's disease GBA1 mutations leading to defects in lysosomal sphingolipid metabolism cause α-synuclein accumulation. We observed that increased lysosomal Tau accumulation is found in human dermal fibroblasts engineered for inducible Tau expression. Inhibition of the GBA1 product GCase augmented Tau-dependent lysosomal stress and Tau accumulation. Here, we show increased Tau seed-induced Tau accumulation in Gaucher's fibroblasts carrying GBA1 mutations when compared to normal fibroblasts. Pharmacological enhancement of GCase reversed this effect, notably, also in normal fibroblasts. This suggests that boosting GCase activity may represent a therapeutic strategy to slow down aging-dependent lysosomal deficits and brain protein deposition.
Scientific assessment
Research question
Assess the question within the original study’s scope.
Methods & sample
Check the source article for study design and sample details.
Key findings
An editorially approved findings summary is not yet published for this record.
Limitations
Generalizability, bias and clinical meaning require separate assessment.
Methods, samples and clinical conclusions are not inferred from bibliographic metadata.