On February 18, the reporter learned from the Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences that Zhan Yang, a researcher from the Institute of Brain Cognition and Brain Diseases of the Academy, has developed a new neural regulation strategy that can target microglia and eliminate Alzheimer's disease related pathological proteins. The research results were recently published in Neuron. "Microglia are a type of brain immune cell that can be stably manipulated with uncertainty," said Zhan Yang. In exploring the mechanism of photo genetic regulation, the research team used photo genetic methods to activate microglia and found that depolarization of microglia can promote A in the brain parenchyma β The clearance of toxic proteins. By implanting optical fibers into the brain regions of mice, the team found that photogenetic activation of microglia can lead to significant changes in the number and morphology of cells in the illuminated area. But in this process, the elimination of synapses also enhances, causing damage to other useful neurons. To address this issue, the research team activated microglia in the Alzheimer's disease mouse model while inhibiting complement C1q, an important complement molecule in the immune system. This strategy can clear A from the brain of mouse models β Toxic protein, and there will be no phenomenon of synaptic engulfment. Research has found that using photogenetic regulation to stimulate microglia can enhance their phagocytic function and accelerate the clearance of A in Alzheimer's disease β Toxic proteins. The study also provides a new neuroprotective strategy that helps to understand the pathological mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease and develop treatment strategies Duan Shumin, an academician of the CAS Member and a professor of Zhejiang University, commented on the achievement. Zhan Yang introduced that in the next step, the team will focus on using light to stimulate microglia and conduct in-depth research on the mechanism of increased phagocytic capacity of microglia. At the same time, they will also develop various neuroregulatory strategies and attempt to use them for the treatment of other neurodegenerative diseases. (Lai Xin She)