These brain cells clear proteins that contribute to Alzheimer's
NSRI Research Papers1, 1-8 (2026)|
Abstract
When specialized cells called tanycytes stop working, disease-causing tau proteins build up in the brain.
A newly discovered mechanism in the brain could offer fresh avenues for treating Alzheimer's disease. Researchers have found that specialized cells known as tanycytes play a crucial role in clearing out tau proteins, which are known to form toxic tangles in the brains of Alzheimer's patients.
The Role of Tanycytes
Tanycytes are a type of ependymal cell found in the walls of the third ventricle of the brain. Until now, their primary known function was regulating energy balance and metabolism. However, this new study reveals their unexpected role in the brain's waste clearance system.
Using advanced imaging techniques in mouse models, the research team observed tanycytes actively engulfing and breaking down tau proteins from the cerebrospinal fluid.
Implications for Alzheimer's Treatment
When the researchers genetically impaired the function of tanycytes in mice, they observed a rapid accumulation of tau proteins, leading to cognitive decline similar to that seen in Alzheimer's disease.
"This discovery shifts our understanding of how the brain protects itself from neurodegeneration," says Dr. Elena Rostova, the lead author of the study. "If we can find ways to stimulate tanycyte activity in humans, we might be able to slow or even prevent the progression of Alzheimer's."