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World Alzheimer's Day Brain Goes Nuclear
21 September 2015

Brain Goes Nuclear

The average adult human brain has about 100 billion neurons – roughly 14 times the number of people on Earth. Glial cells help to protect and support these neurons, with about ten glial cells for each neuron. This picture shows a nuclear membrane from an astrocyte – a unique type of glial cell. The nucleus of the cell (blue) is guarded by certain proteins which act as gates (red). These gates, or nuclear pore complexes, can only be unlocked by the right protein keys (green). After opening the gates, these keys then enter the nucleus and effect cellular processes. When the brain goes through trauma, or is affected by disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, the gatekeepers become less vigilant, and key proteins that shouldn’t necessarily pass through do. Scientists found that changing the numbers and shapes of gates in patients’ astrocytes can alter neuronal activity and restore some learning and memory capabilities.

Today is World Alzheimer's Day

Written by Matt Atherton

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BPoD stands for Biomedical Picture of the Day. Managed by the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences until Jul 2023, it is now run independently by a dedicated team of scientists and writers. The website aims to engage everyone, young and old, in the wonders of biology, and its influence on medicine. The ever-growing archive of more than 4000 research images documents over a decade of progress. Explore the collection and see what you discover. Images are kindly provided for inclusion on this website through the generosity of scientists across the globe.

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