Beta-amyloid production in neurons is regulated by astrocyte-derived cholesterol

The accumulation of amyloid β (Aβ) in the brain is an established feature of Alzheimer’s disease, however mechanisms that regulate Aβ accumulation are not fully understood. In a recent study, Wang et al show that Aβ accumulation in neurons is tightly regulated by cholesterol production in astrocytes. This finding paves the way for future work that will establish whether the selective removal of Aβ by targeting this mechanism has therapeutic potential.