New glimmer of hope in the fight against Alzheimer’s: How the brain could clean itself
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Alzheimer’s disease, one of the most widespread neurodegenerative diseases, could be combated in the future with a new, surprising approach. Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have discovered a natural mechanism in the brain that is able to break down the toxic amyloid plaques characteristic of Alzheimer’s and preserve cognitive function. The key role is played by a previously underestimated protein called Sox9 and star-shaped brain cells, the astrocytes.
Astrocytes as the “garbage disposal” of the brain
Traditionally, Alzheimer’s research has focused primarily on neurons and preventing plaque formation. But this new study, published November 21, 2025 in “Nature Neuroscience,” focuses on the so-called astrocytes. Long considered a “background player,” these star-shaped support cells perform a variety of tasks essential to normal brain function, including supporting communication between nerve cells and storing memories.
The team around Dr. Dong-Joo Choi, first author of the study, and Dr. Benjamin Deneen, corresponding author and professor at Baylor College of Medicine, discovered that increasing the protein Sox9 stimulates astrocytes to absorb and break down the harmful amyloid plaques more effectively – comparable to a “vacuum cleaner for the brain.”
Successful tests in mouse models
The researchers carried out their experiments on mouse models that already had cognitive impairments such as memory deficits and amyloid plaques in the brain. This is an important aspect because these models better reflect the condition of many Alzheimer’s patients than studies that start before plaque formation.
Over a period of six months, the scientists observed that increased Sox9 expression not only led to better plaque removal but also preserved the mice’s cognitive abilities. This suggests that boosting astrocyte activity could slow or even stop the cognitive decline associated with neurodegenerative diseases.
Possible consequences for future therapies
These findings open a promising new avenue for the development of Alzheimer’s therapies that focus on supporting the brain’s natural cleansing mechanisms rather than just preventing plaque formation. “Most current treatments focus on neurons or try to prevent the formation of amyloid plaques. This study suggests that improving the natural cleaning ability of astrocytes may be just as important,” said Dr. Benjamin Deneen.
Although further research is needed to understand how Sox9 functions long-term in the human brain, this discovery holds enormous potential. It could pave the way for cell-based treatments that specifically activate astrocytes in the human brain, potentially altering the course of Alzheimer’s disease.
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Image: Pixabay / NoName_13
Report (November 25, 2025) – Science Editor
