Controversial Study Finds Bone Marrow Transplants May Spread Alzheimer's Disease in Mice

In a groundbreaking study published in Stem Cell Reports, researchers have uncovered a potential link between bone marrow transplants and the transmission of Alzheimer's-like symptoms in mice. The study, led by Wilfred Jefferies from the University of British Columbia, examined the effects of transferring bone marrow from mice carrying a rare Alzheimer's-linked genetic mutation to healthy mice.

These genetically engineered mice, harboring a mutated version of the human APP gene, exhibited symptoms akin to early-onset Alzheimer's disease, such as memory impairment and the formation of beta amyloid plaques in the brain. Surprisingly, even recipient mice lacking the APP gene displayed these pathological features, suggesting that the transferred bone marrow played a crucial role in the development of Alzheimer's-like symptoms.

Jefferies and his team's findings challenge the conventional belief that amyloid plaques in Alzheimer's originate solely from the brain. Their results hint at the possibility that proteins produced outside the brain, such as in bone marrow, could contribute to the progression of neurodegenerative diseases.

Despite the intriguing implications of this study, skepticism remains within the scientific community. Critics, including neuroscientists Lary Walker and Tara Spires-Jones, caution against overstating the significance of these results, pointing out limitations in the study's experimental design and the vast physiological differences between mice and humans.

While the study suggests a potential avenue for investigating the role of peripheral tissues in neurodegenerative diseases, it falls short of proving direct transmission of Alzheimer's. The need for further research to validate and expand upon these findings is paramount before any policy implications or clinical recommendations can be considered.

Nevertheless, the study underscores the importance of vigilance in screening donors for mutations associated with Alzheimer's when performing cell, blood, or organ transplants. By raising awareness of the potential risks of disease transmission through medical procedures, the research sparks a conversation within the scientific community about the safety and ethics of transplant practices.

In the quest to unravel the complexities of Alzheimer's disease and related neurodegenerative disorders, this study opens up a new frontier of exploration into the interplay between peripheral tissues and brain health. As scientists delve deeper into the mechanisms underlying disease transmission, the hope is to pave the way for more targeted interventions and preventative measures in the fight against Alzheimer's.

Source: https://www.science.org/content/article/bone-marrow-transplants-spread-alzheimer-s-disease-mice-controversial-study-reports