Award-winning image highlights link between brain tumor cells and Alzheimer's disease

A new image has won first place in Nikon's 50th Small World micrography competition. It shows brain tumor cells from mice and reveals disruptions in cellular structures linked to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. Researchers from Augusta University found that a protein called profilin 1 (PFN1) is crucial for the transport system within cells. Loss of PFN1 leads to abnormal speeds in transporting cellular components, which is associated with diseases like Alzheimer's and ALS. The study suggests that restoring normal levels of cytoskeleton components can help regulate this transport system. This research aims to improve understanding of neurodegenerative diseases and could aid in developing treatments.