Tetraneuron, a biotech startup, aims to develop treatments for Alzheimer's based on groundbreaking research by Jose Maria Frade from the Cajal Institute. After years of studying neuronal development, Frade discovered that the transcription factor E2F4 plays a vital role in adult neurons’ response to stress. Under stress, E2F4 can reactivate the cell cycle, leading to pathology associated with Alzheimer's disease. Frade proposes using a modified form of E2F4, called E2F4-DN, to prevent this uncontrolled proliferation, thereby hoping to protect neurons and offer new avenues for treating nervous system diseases.
Many medical breakthroughs, whose benefits are easy for anyone to grasp, begin with scientists asking questions that are difficult for most people to understand.
Jose Maria Frade's research led to the discovery of E2F4's key role in adult neurons, particularly in the context of Alzheimer's disease.
E2F4 receives a chemical tag under stress, reactivating the proliferation cycle of adult neurons, which triggers Alzheimer’s pathology.
Frade patented a modified version of E2F4, designed to block the reactivation of the cell cycle, aimed at treating nervous system diseases.
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