At Texas A&M AgriLife Research, scientists have unveiled a groundbreaking approach to treating neurodegenerative diseases using nanoflowers—metallic flower-shaped nanoparticles. A study published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry indicates that these nanoflowers can protect and restore brain cells by enhancing the health and turnover of mitochondria, the energy-producing structures within cells. This innovative research offers a potential new pathway for neurotherapeutics that targets the root causes of conditions such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases, rather than merely alleviating symptoms.
The study was led by Charles Mitchell, a doctoral student in the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, alongside research specialist Mikhail Matveyenka. They worked under the guidance of Dmitry Kurouski, an associate professor and researcher at the Texas A&M AgriLife Institute for Advancing Health through Agriculture. Kurouski noted, “These nanoflowers look beautiful under a microscope, but what they do inside the cell is even more impressive. By improving the health of brain cells, they help address one of the key drivers of neurodegenerative diseases that have long resisted therapeutic breakthroughs.”
Mitochondrial Health: A Key to Brain Function
Mitochondria, often referred to as the “powerhouses of the cell,” play a critical role in converting food into energy. However, this process also produces waste, including elevated levels of reactive oxygen species—unstable molecules that can harm cells if not adequately controlled. The research team assessed the effects of two different nanoflowers on neurons and astrocytes, supportive brain cells. Within just 24 hours of treatment, they observed a significant reduction in reactive oxygen species and improvements in mitochondrial integrity and quantity.
Kurouski remarked, “Even in healthy cells, some oxidative stress is expected. But the nanoflowers seem to fine-tune the performance of mitochondria, ultimately bringing the levels of their toxic byproducts down to almost nothing.” This connection between mitochondrial health and brain function suggests that preserving mitochondria in brain cells could lead to significant improvements in cognitive abilities after damage due to neurodegenerative diseases.
Testing Beyond Cell Cultures
Following promising results in cell cultures, researchers proceeded to evaluate the effects of nanoflowers on Caenorhabditis elegans, a widely used model organism in neurological research. The findings revealed that worms treated with one of the nanoflowers exhibited an increased lifespan of several days compared to untreated counterparts, which typically live for about 18 days. Additionally, treated worms showed lower mortality rates during early life stages, further supporting the nanoflowers’ potential as neuroprotective agents.
Looking ahead, Kurouski plans further studies on toxicity and distribution in more complex animal models, which are crucial steps before advancing to clinical trials.
Despite extensive research efforts over the years, effective neuroprotective drugs remain elusive. Most current therapies for neurodegenerative diseases focus on managing symptoms without addressing the underlying cellular damage. Kurouski believes that by specifically targeting mitochondrial health and oxidative stress, nanoflowers could introduce a novel treatment strategy.
His team has collaborated with Texas A&M Innovation to file a patent application for the use of nanoflowers in neuroprotective therapies. They aim to work with the Texas A&M College of Medicine to explore further applications, including treatments for stroke, spinal cord injuries, and other neurodegenerative diseases.
“We think this could become a new class of therapeutics,” Kurouski stated. “We want to ensure it’s safe, effective, and has a clear mechanism of action. Based on what we’ve observed so far, there’s incredible potential in nanoflowers.”
