Hollings Horizons Winter/Spring 2026 - Magazine - Page 24
Research News
ALZHEIMERS-CANCER
CONNECTION
Alzheimer’s protein holds clues
for fighting cancer
For years, population studies hinted at something puzzling:
People with Alzheimer’s disease seemed less likely to
develop cancer. That paradox caught the attention of Besim
Ogretmen, Ph.D., associate director of basic science at
Hollings.
His team zeroed in on the protein amyloid beta, which plays
a dual role in the body through its actions on mitochondria –
cells’ primary energy source – by damaging brain cells while
strengthening the immune system.
In the brain, amyloid beta prevents the cellular cleanup
process. As a result, damaged mitochondria pile up, releasing
toxins that harm neurons.
However, in the immune system, T-cells benefit from
amyloid beta blocking this cellular cleanup, as more of their
mitochondria remain intact and continue to produce energy.
That energy makes the T-cells stronger and more active in
fighting threats, such as cancer.
The potential applications for cancer are wide-ranging.
Revitalizing T-cells by transplanting healthy mitochondria
could strengthen existing treatments like CAR-T cell
therapy. Ogretmen’s group has already filed a patent for this
discovery, underscoring its potential as a new class of therapy.
“
This was a true team e昀昀ort. We’re proud of
the di昀昀erent areas of expertise that came
together to make these discoveries. The
research exempli昀椀es how discoveries in one
area can open unexpected doors in another.
“
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Hollings Horizons Winter/Spring 2026
