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17 Grapplingwith CTE: Another puzzle piece falls into place The Neurological Foundation Human Brain Bank is a rich source of precious, high-quality tissue. It offers researchers a treasure trove of information and the potential for brilliant breakthroughs. Now, UniversityofAucklandneuroscientists ChelsieOstermanandDrHelenMurray haveshonenewlightonchronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), aneurodegenerative disease linkedtorepeatedheadblows. They examinedbrain tissue – primarily from former rugby players – thatwas donated to theNeurological FoundationHumanBrain Bank, theAustraliaSportsBrainBank, and theBostonUNITEBrainBank. They discovered a unique distribution of inflammatory markers clustered around the distinctive lesions in the brain used to diagnose CTE in people after they die. These markers suggest astrocytes – star shaped brain cells that support brain function – could be reacting to damage to blood vessels in the brain after head injuries. “Astrocytesmay play amore pivotal role in thedisease than previously thought,” saysChelsie, aPhDstudent. She says this breakthrough opens possibilities tobetter understandwhy somepeoplewho suffer repeated head injuries developCTE, while others do not. It alsopaves theway for newtreatments targeting inflammatory markers in thebrains of peoplewithCTE. “Currently, diagnosis of CTE is only possible after a person has died. Our new insights couldbe used tofindways todiagnoseCTE in livingpeople, potentially throughMRI scans, anddevelopways to assess howthe disease is progressing,” saysChelsie. Helen adds, “This discovery points to inflammation and vascular health as promising areas for future therapeutic strategies.” The Foundation has helped fund Helen’s work since 2019. Based at the Centre for Brain Research, she’s currently supported by a Senior Research Fellowship. The Neurological Foundation has supported the brain bank since 1995. Chelsie Osterman