Researchers in Japan have developed insulin-fused proteins that can target hippocampal neurons, a key area affected in Alzheimer’s disease. The technique leverages insulin’s natural accumulation in the hippocampus to deliver drugs more effectively to this region, overcoming challenges such as the blood-brain barrier. The fusion proteins bind to insulin receptors on hippocampal neurons, triggering cellular uptake and delivering therapeutic cargo. Animal studies have shown promising results, with the potential to enhance drug delivery for Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases. Future research will focus on refining this approach for safe and targeted drug delivery without invasive procedures.
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Targeting hippocampal neurons to unlock existing Alzheimer’s drugs
