Breakthrough Study at The Florey Institute: Using mRNA Technology to Target Toxic Protein Tau in Alzheimer’s Disease

A team of researchers at The Florey Institute has developed a new approach using mRNA technology to target the toxic protein tau, which is known to accumulate in patients with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. This breakthrough study, published in Brain Communications, showcases The Florey as a leading institution in the mRNA field. Dr. Rebecca Nisbet led this innovative research, marking the first time that mRNA is being explored as a potential treatment for Alzheimer’s disease.

In this study, mRNA was used to instruct cells to produce an antibody specifically designed to target tau protein clusters in the brain cells of dementia patients. The findings demonstrated that this antibody, RNJ1, is unique in its ability to directly engage with tau within the cells, providing a promising strategy for enhancing the targeting of toxic molecules in the brain.

While RNJ1 shows promise, further research is needed to develop this approach as a viable treatment option. Dr. Nisbet emphasizes that current Alzheimer’s treatments are effective but expensive to produce and inefficient at delivering active antibodies into brain cells. Conventional antibodies like lecanemab can remove plaque outside brain cells but are unable to reach toxic proteins like tau inside the cells.

The team’s work opens up new possibilities for developing effective treatments for Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders by leveraging mRNA technology to target intracellular proteins like tau. By continuing their research and exploring new approaches, researchers at The Florey Institute are paving the way for innovative therapies that could improve patient outcomes and ultimately help prevent or cure these debilitating diseases.