Two injections of Nano-ERASER reverse Alzheimer damage in mice

A new study in mice shows that two injections of a nanogel called Nano-ERASER can reverse Alzheimer-related damage and restore cognitive functions, offering a potential alternative to traditional gene therapy. The research, led by Peisheng Xu at the University of South Carolina and published in Cell Biomaterials, used nanoparticles to deliver antibodies that degrade the protein PTBP1 inside astrocytes, reprogramming them into new neurons. After just two injections, treated mice showed improved memory and cognition, including better nest-building and water maze performance Source: infobae, abces. The treatment also reduced neuroinflammation and beta-amyloid plaques, and increased neuronal density in affected brain areas Source: abces. Unlike CRISPR, Nano-ERASER does not modify DNA and is reversible, which Xu says may make it safer than traditional gene therapy Source: abces. However, the findings are limited to animal models and human organoids; clinical trials in humans are not yet underway. While both sources report similar results, infobae emphasizes the mechanism of converting astrocytes into neurons, while abces highlights the potential safety advantages over gene editing. The study represents a promising step, but further research is needed to confirm efficacy and safety in humans.