"Discover the role of dark microglia in Alzheimer's neurodegeneration."

In a finding that could transform our understanding of Alzheimer’s disease, an international team of scientists has unraveled the workings of "dark microglia," a variant of the brain's immune cells that may be linked to the disease. This discovery, published in the journal "Neuron," reveals that these cells produce and release toxic lipids that damage neurons, raising new possibilities for the development of pharmacological treatments.

Microglia, cells discovered by Spanish scientist Pío del Río Hortega in 1918, play a crucial role in the nervous system. They act as waste cleaners and immune agents, protecting the brain from external and internal threats. However, current work demonstrates that dark microglia, previously observed in samples from Alzheimer’s patients, exhibit harmful behavior in this pathological context.

The research, led by Turkish neuroscientist Pinar Ayata and involving Marie-Ève Tremblay, has been enthusiastically received in the scientific community. Inhibiting the production of toxic lipids in mice has shown promising results in preventing neurodegeneration, suggesting that this mechanism could be a key target in designing new therapies for Alzheimer’s.

Amanda Sierra, from the Basque Center for Neuroscience Achúcarro, compares the duality of microglia to the Roman god Janus, who represents both war and peace. This duality reflects the protective role of microglia under normal conditions and their tendency to become a harmful force in the presence of adverse conditions, such as those found in Alzheimer’s.

The recent research also establishes a link with previous studies suggesting that microglia are responsible for the generation of beta-amyloid plaques, another distinctive feature of Alzheimer’s. This reinforces the idea that microglia are not just passive spectators in the disease but play an active and causal role in its development. The connection between microglia and beta-amyloid plaques opens new avenues for therapeutic research.

Belgian biologist Bart De Strooper, an Alzheimer’s expert, has noted the confusion that still persists regarding the role of microglia in neurodegeneration. While the new study provides solid evidence about the production of toxic lipids, it remains to be determined whether these changes are a cause or a consequence of neurodegeneration. This dilemma is fundamental to understanding how to effectively tackle the disease.

The study by Ayata and her team provides valuable insights into the complexity of Alzheimer’s, suggesting that therapy should focus on modulating dark microglia and its effects on the brain. The fact that the research was conducted in an animal model represents an important first step, although further studies will be needed to understand the extent of this mechanism in neurodegeneration.

The figure of Pío del Río Hortega, who made fundamental discoveries in the field of neuroscience in the early 20th century, becomes more relevant in this context. Despite his exile and not having received the Nobel Prize, his findings have left a lasting legacy in brain research. His pioneering work continues to inspire new generations of scientists seeking to understand and treat complex diseases like Alzheimer’s.

As research progresses, the scientific community watches closely for developments in understanding dark microglia. The hope is that this understanding will not only lead to more effective treatments but also provide a new perspective on a disease that affects millions of people worldwide. The fight against Alzheimer’s continues, and each new discovery about its biology brings us one step closer to unraveling its mysteries.