How a deadly tumour cell protein could help fight Alzheimer’s disease: Chinese researchers

South China Morning PostEN 1 min read 100% complete by Holly ChikFebruary 8, 2026 at 03:00 AM

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Chinese researchers have identified a protein secreted by tumor cells that may offer a new approach to fighting Alzheimer's disease. The study, conducted at Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Wuhan, investigated why cancer patients are less likely to develop Alzheimer's. Published in *Cell* in January 2024, the research found that cystatin C, a protein from cancer cells, effectively reduced amyloid plaque burden and improved cognition in mouse models of Alzheimer's. Amyloid plaques, a hallmark of Alzheimer's, disrupt nerve cell function. The findings suggest that this protein could be used to develop therapies that degrade existing amyloid plaques, offering a potential new treatment for Alzheimer's disease.

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Cell 30% China 40% Wuhan 50% Huazhong University of Science and Technology 60% Chinese researchers ×270% Alzheimer's disease ×790%

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alzheimer's disease 100% amyloid plaques 90% tumour cell protein 80% cancer 70% cystatin c 70% therapeutic avenues 60% dementia 60% mouse models 50% neuroscience 50%

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South China Morning Post

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Wuhan

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alzheimer's disease amyloid plaques tumour cell protein cancer cystatin c therapeutic avenues dementia mouse models neuroscience

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