Breakthrough in brain research: New hope against the risk of stroke!

Breakthrough in brain research: New hope against the risk of stroke!

On May 13, 2025, scientists from the University of Potsdam will report significant advances in research into Cerebral Cavernous Malformation (CCM), a disease that affects approximately 0.5% of the population and significantly increases the risk of stroke. CCM can lead to brain hemorrhages, which often cause lasting damage to those affected. Professor Dr. Salim Seyfried and his team have now identified promising active ingredients that may be able to prevent the occurrence of CCM-related adhesions in human blood vessels. In years of manual screening processes, new substances were discovered from over 6,000 chemical compounds and are now being tested.

The active ingredients developed by Seyfried and his team could not only reduce the risk of strokes, but also make invasive procedures unnecessary. KLF2, an important transcription factor, plays a central role in protecting vascular cells and responding to blood flow. CCM patients have genetic mutations that prevent KLF2 from protecting the DNA of vascular cells. Another obstacle is the chromobox protein homolog 7 (CBX7), which limits KLF2's protective function.

New therapeutic approaches

The discovery of the two substances MS37452 and MS351, which can block CBX7, represents an important advance. These synthetic compounds are intended for therapeutic applications with the aim of ultimately developing a drug against CCM that could regress acute vascular proliferations or prevent their development. Such a drug could significantly improve the quality of life of those affected and minimize long-term damage.

Research into CCM could also have far-reaching implications for understanding other genetic diseases. However, in order to develop an approved drug, further research is necessary to clarify the metabolism and possible side effects of the new substances. Professor Seyfried has been leading the research field at the University of Potsdam since 2014 and with his team has laid the foundation for future therapeutic options.

Risks and genetic factors of stroke

The issue of stroke is not just limited to CCM. According to information from the LMU, cardiovascular diseases, especially stroke and coronary heart disease, are the most common causes of death worldwide. Risk factors for these diseases are diverse and include age, lifestyle, previous illnesses and genetic predisposition. Genome-wide association studies show that certain genes can influence stroke risk.

Professor Martin Dichgans from the LMU Klinikum, an expert in the field of stroke and dementia research, emphasizes the relevance of genetic information for identifying possible targets for new drug treatments. One of his studies found that the HTRA1 gene plays an important role. HTRA1 encodes a protease that regulates the extracellular matrix. Certain genetic variants of this gene are associated with an increased risk of stroke and small cerebral vessel disease, although the exact mechanisms are not yet fully understood.