Researchers have identified a previously unrecognized type of brain plaque, known as mitochondrial plaques, in both preclinical models of Alzheimer's disease and human brain tissue. Unlike traditional amyloid plaques, mitochondrial plaques appear to develop independently and may arise during the earliest stages of the disease—potentially even before beta-amyloid plaques begin to form.

The study also revealed that mitochondrial plaques contain high concentrations of amyloid precursor protein (APP), the molecule from which beta-amyloid is produced. As Alzheimer's disease progresses, these mitochondrial plaques are often found alongside conventional amyloid plaques, suggesting they may contribute to or accelerate the development of the disease's characteristic brain pathology.

“This discovery identifies mitochondrial plaques as a previously unrecognized hallmark of Alzheimer's disease,” said Paul Robbins, professor at the University of Minnesota Medical School and associate director of the Masonic Institute on the Biology of Aging and Metabolism. “By understanding how these plaques form and influence disease progression, we may be able to develop new approaches to slow—or even prevent—Alzheimer's disease.”

Lead author Xiuli Dan added, “Unlike the amyloid plaques that accumulate outside brain cells, mitochondrial plaques appear to directly impact neurons, making them a promising new therapeutic target for Alzheimer's disease.”

The research team plans to focus next on identifying biomarkers that can detect mitochondrial plaques and screening potential therapies capable of preventing their formation or accumulation.

Source: https://med.umn.edu/news/new-university-minnesota-research-identifies-potential-therapeutic-target-alzheimers-disease