We published a new study in Science revealing a promising strategy to combat Alzheimer’s disease.

5/8/24, 00:00

Our research identifies a novel class of compounds—ReS19-T—that restore calcium balance in neurons by targeting septins, a lesser-known cytoskeletal component disrupted in Alzheimer’s. This precise modulation prevents harmful calcium influx without affecting healthy cells.

In multiple disease models, ReS19-T compounds showed strong neuroprotective effects, reduced pathological protein accumulation, and improved memory function—highlighting their therapeutic potential.

Editor's summary

"One of the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) contributing to the neurodegenerative process is the alteration of neuronal calcium homeostasis. Princen et al. identified a class of compounds called ReS19-T that were able to restore calcium homeostasis in multiple in vitro and in vivo models of AD. The compounds were also able to inhibit pathological activation of store-operated calcium channels by binding to septins and restraining calcium entry into the neurons through these channels. Treating animal models of AD with ReS19-T compounds reduced pathological protein accumulation and restored neuronal function, suggesting that normalization of calcium homeostasis through septinmodulation might be an effective approach for reducing neurodegeneration in AD."

—Mattia Maroso

Published in Science.

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