Scientists melt early protein clumps and shut down Alzheimer’s damage – ScienceDaily

Report on Novel Alzheimer’s Research and its Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

A recent study from Tokyo Metropolitan University has provided critical insights into the formation of tau protein fibrils, a key pathological feature of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). By applying principles from polymer physics, the research offers a new therapeutic paradigm that strongly aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).

Contribution to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

This research directly addresses SDG Target 3.4, which aims to reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases and promote mental health. By elucidating the mechanism of tau fibril formation, the study opens a new avenue for developing preventative treatments for neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.

A New Model for Tau Fibril Formation

The study revealed that tau protein fibrils do not form spontaneously. Instead, their formation is a multi-step process analogous to polymer crystallization, involving a critical precursor stage.

• Precursor Clusters: Fibrillization is preceded by the formation of large, soft clusters of tau proteins measuring tens of nanometers.
• Reversibility: These precursor clusters are not permanent structures and can be dissolved by altering ionic concentrations in the solution.
• Inhibition of Fibrils: When the formation of these precursor clusters was disrupted, the subsequent development of tau fibrils was almost completely prevented.

Therapeutic Implications for Global Health

The findings suggest a strategic shift in therapeutic development. Instead of targeting the stable, fully-formed fibrils, interventions could focus on preventing or dissolving the reversible precursor clusters. This preventative approach could be more effective in halting the progression of Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases, thereby contributing significantly to global health and well-being goals.

Innovation and Infrastructure in Scientific Research (SDG 9)

The research exemplifies the principles of SDG 9, which encourages scientific innovation and the enhancement of technological capabilities. The cross-disciplinary approach combines biomedical science with polymer physics, demonstrating a novel way to address complex health challenges.

Mechanism of Fibril Inhibition

The team successfully disrupted the precursor clusters by modulating electrostatic interactions within the solution.

1. Researchers altered sodium chloride levels in the presence of heparin.
2. This change increased electrostatic “screening,” which reduced the strength of interactions between tau proteins and heparin.
3. As a result, the tau proteins were less able to aggregate into the precursor clusters necessary for fibril formation.

Fostering Collaborative Research (SDG 17)

The project was supported by a wide range of funding bodies, highlighting the importance of partnerships (SDG 17) in advancing scientific frontiers. Support included grants from:

• JST SPRING Program
• JSPS KAKENHI
• JST Moonshot R&D Program
• AMED

This collaborative funding structure is essential for undertaking complex, high-impact research that can lead to breakthroughs in treating diseases that affect global populations.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

  The article directly addresses this goal by focusing on medical research into Alzheimer’s disease, a significant global health challenge, particularly for aging populations. The research aims to understand the disease’s mechanisms (“formation of tau protein fibrils”) and discover “a promising direction for new strategies against neurodegenerative conditions,” which aligns with ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being.

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

  This goal is relevant as the article showcases advanced scientific research and innovation. The researchers at Tokyo Metropolitan University applied “concepts from polymer physics” to a biomedical problem, representing an innovative, interdisciplinary approach. The explicit mention of funding from multiple national science and technology programs (JST, JSPS, AMED) highlights investment in research and development infrastructure to foster scientific innovation.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   • Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
     
     Explanation: Alzheimer’s is a non-communicable, neurodegenerative disease. The research described in the article is focused on developing new treatments (“a new therapeutic direction”) by targeting the early formation of tau clusters. This work directly contributes to the “treatment” aspect of this target, aiming to halt the progression of a disease that significantly impacts health and well-being.
   • Target 3.b: Support the research and development of vaccines and medicines for the communicable and non-communicable diseases that primarily affect developing countries, provide access to affordable essential medicines and vaccines…
     
     Explanation: The article is a clear example of fundamental “research and development of…medicines for…non-communicable diseases.” The study explores a novel mechanism for fibril formation, which could lead to a new class of therapies for Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson’s disease.

2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

   • Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries…including, by 2030, encouraging innovation and substantially increasing the number of research and development workers…and public and private research and development spending.
     
     Explanation: The article exemplifies this target in action. It describes a specific project that “enhance[s] scientific research” at a university. The detailed list of grants (“JST SPRING Program Grant Number JPMJSP2156, JSPS KAKENHI Grant Numbers…”) is direct evidence of “public research and development spending” aimed at “encouraging innovation.”

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Indicators for SDG 3 Targets

   • Implied Indicator for Target 3.4: The development of novel therapeutic strategies. The article indicates progress by identifying a new target for intervention: “Instead of trying to break apart the final fibrils, therapies could aim at stopping the reversible precursor stage before harmful structures develop.” This represents a measurable step forward in the R&D process for treating Alzheimer’s.
   • Indicator for Target 3.b: Investment in medical research and development. The article explicitly lists the financial support for the project: “This work was supported by JST SPRING Program…, JSPS KAKENHI Grant Numbers…, JST Moonshot R&D Program…, and AMED Grant Number…” This list serves as a direct indicator of financial resources allocated to R&D for non-communicable diseases.

2. Indicator for SDG 9 Target

   • Indicator for Target 9.5: Public expenditure on research and development (R&D). The numerous grant numbers from national agencies like JST (Japan Science and Technology Agency), JSPS (Japan Society for the Promotion of Science), and AMED (Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development) are a concrete indicator of public R&D spending. The article itself, as a report on a scientific discovery, is an output of this spending and an indicator of ongoing research activity.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: sciencedaily.com