Cholesterol in the brain is essential for the maintenance and function of neurons, and this study shows that neuronal uptake may be impaired in Alzheimer’s disease, potentially contributing to their degeneration.

The findings suggest that the APOE4 genetic variant, known as a genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s, reduces the efficiency with which neurons absorb the cholesterol they need to function, which could promote their dysfunction and degeneration.

The research, coordinated by Sant Pau and published in the Journal of Lipid Research, sheds new light on the role of lipid metabolism in Alzheimer’s disease and opens up new avenues for study and intervention.

"Herpotrichone" is a natural substance that has been evaluated highly for its excellent ability to suppress inflammation in the brain and protect nerve cells, displaying significant potential to be developed as a therapeutic agent for neurodegenerative brain diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. This substance could only be obtained in minute quantities from fungi that are symbiotic with isopods. However, KAIST researchers have succeeded in chemically synthesizing this rare natural product, thereby presenting the possibility for the development of next-generation drugs for neurodegenerative diseases.