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The scientists aren’t the only ones taking a closer look at astrocytes. A team with the Institute for Basic Science's Center for Cognition and Sociality in South Korea are examining the role these brain cells play in the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. The researchers recently published findings that show astrocyte-specific gene silencing of the enzyme ornithine decarboxylase 1 (ODC1) can stop excessive GABA production and neuronal inhibition in the hippocampus. After shutting down ODC1, mice performed better in memory-related behavioral tasks, almost completely recovering from disease-related loss of memory. If translated in human models, ODC1 holds the potential to become a new therapeutic target against Alzheimer’s, the researchers suggested.

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