Molecular double agent: Protein ‘Eato’ plays surprising role in protecting the brain

A team of researchers has made a discovery in fruit flies that could change the way we understand brain diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s in humans. The scientists found that Eato — a fruit-fly protein whose counterparts in mammals were already known for helping brain cells get rid of harmful fats — actually has a much bigger job. It not only protects neurons (brain cells), from being destroyed, but also increases the efficiency by which other cells, called phagocytes, clean up damaged neurons.  

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