Researchers in Italy have discovered that using a nasal spray to inhibit a specific brain enzyme can counteract the cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer's disease.

The team published their research in the peer-reviewed science journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. In this article, we'll go over their findings.

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During their research, the scientists observed that the post-mortem brains of Alzheimer's patients contained an excess of an enzyme known as S-acyltransferase. Higher concentrations of this enzyme were associated with worse cognitive performance suggesting that S-acyltransferase could be a promising therapeutic target for new drugs.

Understanding the Role of Protein Modification

Alzheimer's disease development is driven by alterations in certain proteins, including beta-amyloid and tau, which accumulate in the brain. These proteins' functions are regulated by signals and modifications, such as the attachment of a fatty acid molecule in a reaction called "S-palmitoylation," performed by S-acyltransferase enzymes.

Studies in the past have shown that altered S-palmitoylation of synaptic proteins plays a critical role in cognitive decline induced by metabolic diseases like type 2 diabetes.

More on Alzheimer's: The way you sleep could predict the onset of Alzheimer's Disease (Universal-Sci)

New Therapeutic Approaches on the Horizon

In experiments on animal models of Alzheimer's disease, researchers used an experimental nasal-spray drug called "2-bromopalmitate" to inhibit S-acyltransferase enzymes.

This approach successfully halted neurodegeneration, reduced symptoms, and even extended the animals' lifespan. Although no drugs currently can selectively block zDHHC7, and 2-bromopalmitate is not sufficiently precise, the research team aims to develop new approaches that are translatable to human therapies. These include "genetic patches"—small oligonucleotides that bind to the S-acyltransferase enzyme's RNA and prevent its maturation—or engineered proteins that can interfere with S-acyltransferase enzyme activity.

All in all the research offers hope for new treatment options for Alzheimer's disease. With further development and testing, nasal spray drugs may become a viable method to counteract cognitive decline and brain damage associated with the disease.

Sources and further reading:

How do Alzheimer's disease and dementia differ? (Universal-Sci)
Your sleeping habits may predict the onset of Alzheimer's disease (Universal-Sci)
Why Brushing Your Teeth Regularly May Help Prevent Alzheimer's and Certain Other Brain Diseases (Universal-Sci)
Inhibition of zDHHC7-driven protein S-palmitoylation prevents cognitive deficits in an experimental model of Alzheimer's disease (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences)

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