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Updated: Feb 13, 2026
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Tractable In Vivo Reprogramming of Tumor Cells to Type 1 Conventional Dendritic Cell-like Cells
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Cognitive rejuvenation through partial reprogramming of engram cells.
Gabriel Berdugo-Vega1, Cesar Sierra1, Simone Astori2
1Laboratory of Neuroepigenetics, Brain Mind Institute, School of Life Sciences, École Polytechnique Fédérale Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland.
Neuron
|February 11, 2026
Summary
Partial cellular reprogramming of memory trace cells reversed aging and Alzheimer's hallmarks in mice. This cognitive rejuvenation strategy restored learning and memory, offering hope for age-related cognitive decline.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Regenerative Medicine
- Epigenetics
Background:
- Cognitive decline is a major challenge in aging and Alzheimer's disease (AD).
- Partial cellular reprogramming shows potential for tissue regeneration but its efficacy in neural circuits is unexplored.
- Engram neurons are critical for memory trace formation and recall.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if partial reprogramming of engram neurons can counteract cognitive decline in aging and AD models.
- To assess the impact of reprogramming on cellular hallmarks, epigenetic patterns, and neuronal function.
Main Methods:
- OSK-mediated gene therapy for partial reprogramming of engram neurons.
- Utilized aged mice and mouse models of Alzheimer's disease.
- Evaluated cellular senescence, epigenetic-transcriptional patterns, neuronal excitability, and cognitive performance.
Main Results:
- Partial reprogramming reversed senescence and disease-related markers in aged and AD model mice.
- Restored epigenetic-transcriptional patterns associated with synaptic plasticity.
- Counteracted AD-typical neuronal hyperexcitability and recovered learning and memory capacities.
Conclusions:
- Partial reprogramming of engram neurons promotes cognitive rejuvenation.
- This approach offers a potential therapeutic strategy for cognitive restoration in aging and neurodegenerative diseases.
- Targeting specific cell populations like engram neurons is key for brain repair.
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