Understanding Cellular Communication in the Brain and Its Role in Alzheimer's Disease Progression

Recent research employing advanced imaging techniques and computational modeling has shed new light on how cells in the human brain communicate, particularly between neurons and supporting glial cells. This cellular crosstalk forms an intricate network that plays a crucial role in maintaining brain health. A multidisciplinary team from Ohio State University studied this intercellular communication at the molecular level, identifying key pathways that may influence the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's. By mapping these interactions, scientists discovered significant pathways—including the SEMA6D–TREM2 axis—that could be pivotal in microglial function and amyloid clearance.

This discovery underscores that Alzheimer's disease involves not only the accumulation of plaques and tangles but also a breakdown in cell-to-cell communication within the brain. The research highlights how impairments in these pathways could contribute to neurodegeneration, offering promising targets for therapeutic intervention. Proteins located on cell membranes involved in these pathways are especially promising targets for drug development.

Collaborator Dr. Kim emphasized that understanding the crosstalk pathways provides a new perspective on disease mechanisms. The findings reveal potential for enhancing microglial activity to clear amyloid, potentially slowing disease progression. This paradigm shift suggests that future treatments could focus on restoring or modulating cellular communication pathways rather than solely targeting plaques and tangles.

Published in Science Translational Medicine, this research marks a significant step toward more comprehensive strategies for treating Alzheimer's disease by addressing the fundamental cellular interactions that underpin brain health.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-cellular-crosstalk-brain-alzheimer.html