Latest news with #GauravChopra
The Hindu
12-07-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Immune cells' fat blocks brain's ability to clean Alzheimer's plaques
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain disorder and a form of dementia that affects memory, thinking, and behaviour. As symptoms become more severe, the disease can seriously affect a person's ability to perform tasks that would otherwise be deemed routine, like brushing teeth, making a meal or even recognising family members. For many years, the leading theory has been that Alzheimer's is caused when two harmful proteins called amyloid-beta and tau accumulate in the brain. This pile-up sets off a chain of events, eventually damaging nerve cells and leading to memory loss, confusion, and mood changes. This destruction doesn't happen overnight. It begins years, even decades before symptoms appear. In 2021, an estimated 57 million people worldwide were affected by dementia, with Alzheimer's contributing to 60-70% of the cases. Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer's but there are treatments that can slow symptoms and improve quality of life. It isn't surprising that in the ongoing search for answers, scientists are increasingly turning their attention from neurons to their lesser-known but equally critical neighbours: microglia, the brain's resident immune cells. In a new study published in Immunity, researchers led by Gaurav Chopra at Purdue University have uncovered how fat metabolism in microglia may be a key driver of disease progression. 'This study is pretty interesting and part of a growing body of studies indicating the role of fat metabolism problems in cells around amyloid plaques,' Indian Institute of Science professor Deepak Nair said. The lipid link In healthy brains, microglia serve as surveillance cells, clearing away waste products and toxic proteins like amyloid-beta (Aβ), the sticky molecule that forms the hallmark plaques in Alzheimer's. This clean-up process helps protect neurons from damage. But in Alzheimer's patients this mechanism fails. 'The big question was: how and why are microglia no longer able to eat up or clear these plaques?' said Priya Prakash, a co-lead author of the paper. 'This isn't a new observation. Dr. Alzheimer himself noted fat vacuoles in glial cells over a century ago, but their functional significance has remained unclear until now.' The study identified DGAT2, an enzyme that converts free fatty acids into triacylglycerols (TAGs), the main component of lipid droplets, as a key player. In both mouse models and post-mortem human brain samples from patients with late-stage Alzheimer's, the researchers found that microglia near amyloid plaques have high DGAT2 expression and are bloated with lipid droplets, particularly in the hippocampus, the region responsible for memory. 'We see that the proximity of microglia to plaques correlates with lipid droplet size. The closer they are, the fatter they get,' Prakash noted. What causes the lipid overload? According to the study, Aβ exposure triggers a metabolic chain reaction. Microglia start converting free fatty acids into fats stored inside lipid droplets. Over time, this lipid build-up disrupts their ability to engulf and digest more Aβ, setting up a vicious cycle: more plaques lead to more fat, which leads to more dysfunction. The research team used advanced imaging, lipidomic analysis, and metabolomics to track how microglia's lipid profiles changed over time in response to Aβ exposure. Initially, microglia accumulated toxic free fatty acids. Later, with the help of the DGAT2 enzyme, they converted these fatty acids into triacylglycerols and stored them in lipid droplets. To test whether this lipid build-up could be reversed, the researchers used genetically engineered mice that mimicked human Alzheimer's, known as 5xFAD mice. Two methods were used to reduce DGAT2 activity: a pharmacological inhibitor, currently in clinical trials for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and a custom-designed PROTAC-like degrader that targets DGAT2 specifically in microglia. 'When we blocked DGAT2, we saw reduced fat accumulation in microglia and restoration of their ability to clear amyloid plaques. Even a one-week treatment in aged mice with heavy pathology drastically reduced the plaque burden by over 50% and significantly reduced neuronal damage markers,' Prakash said. However, Prof. Nair cautioned that the animal model used in this study is an accelerated Alzheimer's disease model that relies on Aβ pathology, so the findings may not be equally applicable to all forms or stages of the disease. A fat-filled puzzle Lipid droplets are not inherently bad. In fact, they help cells survive stress by safely storing excess fat. But in microglia that are chronically exposed to Aβ, this once-protective response turns harmful. The study's authors suggested that microglia sacrifice their protective immune function in exchange for lipid safety and that this trade-off may be a key step in Alzheimer's progression. The study also uncovered a notable sex-based difference: female mice accumulated more lipid droplets in their microglia and showed more severe microglial impairment than males. This echoed real-world data that show women face a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's. Because DGAT2 is expressed in many cell types throughout the body, targeting it systemically could lead to unwanted side effects. The team's microglia-specific degrader represents an early but promising step towards cell-selective therapy. 'This is a beautiful proof of concept,' Prof. Nair said. 'We've had over 100 drugs in clinical trials for Alzheimer's in the past 20 years, and very few have succeeded. The disease is complex in its origin — it's not caused by one thing.' While the amyloid cascade hypothesis has dominated the field for decades, more recent theories incorporate inflammation, tau protein tangles, metabolic dysfunction, and now, lipid metabolism. 'In brain diseases, homeostasis slowly breaks down until the system is overwhelmed,' Prof. Nair said. 'If we can control just three or four critical pathways, lipid metabolism being one of them, it might be enough to slow down that collapse. 'And slowing down matters. A five-year delay in Alzheimer's onset would significantly reduce the socioeconomic burden of the disease.' Manjeera Gowravaram has a PhD in RNA biochemistry and works as a freelance science writer.
Time of India
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Exclusive: Gaurav Chopra on Pushpa Impossible completing three years; says ‘Everyone has been so generous, warm and loving'
As Pushpa Impossible celebrates a remarkable three-year milestone, actor Gaurav Chopra , who recently joined the show, shared his heartfelt appreciation for the team and the journey ahead. Though he's only been part of the series for a short time, the experience has already left a deep impact on him. 'Although it's not even been a month since I joined, my heartfelt congratulations to the entire team—from the production house to the channel and especially the director,' Gaurav shared exclusively. He praised his co-star Karuna Pandey, calling her the 'soul of the show' and adding, 'It's her heartbeat that keeps the blood flowing and sets the tone. Everyone has been so gregarious, generous, warm, and loving that I already feel like I've been part of the team for a very long time. ' At a time when television shows often struggle to last beyond a few months, Pushpa Impossible stands out with over three successful years on air. Gaurav acknowledged the rarity of such consistency, saying, 'TV shows don't usually last this long these days. It's a testament to the love and hard work behind this project.' Gaurav Chopra has taken on the role of Professor Rajveer Shastri, a sharp and cynical law professor known for his powerful courtroom presence. Discussing his transformation for the role, he revealed, 'When I was approached for Rajveer, I instantly knew this wasn't just another character. He's not your typical television hero—he's a warrior, layered, wounded, yet fiercely intelligent.' With passion and purpose, Gaurav concluded, 'I hope the task bestowed upon me to take this show to newer heights and deeper stories is something I can live up to. Congratulations once again and my love to all.'
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Karuna Pandey on Gaurav Chopra entering Pushpa Impossible; says ‘Our chemistry clicked right away'
The entry of Gaurav Chopra as Professor Rajvir Shastri in Pushpa Impossible has introduced a compelling new dimension to the story. Known for his powerful screen presence and intensity, Chopra's portrayal of a tough yet layered mentor brings both gravitas and intrigue. Karuna Pandey , who plays the titular role of Pushpa, is thrilled about this new development. 'Absolutely! The moment we heard Gaurav ji was finalized, we were all genuinely excited,' shares Karuna. 'He has a strong presence — his voice, his expressions, the way he delivers lines — it all adds great depth to a scene. As an actor, it's a joy to work with someone so talented and experienced. Our chemistry clicked right away, and I enjoyed shooting with him. I'm looking forward to more scenes together and exploring the journey of Pushpa and Professor Rajvir. He's not just a brilliant actor, but also a warm, kind-hearted person off-screen.' The character of Professor Rajvir Shastri marks a significant shift in Pushpa's journey — emotionally, intellectually, and personally. Gaurav Chopra, known for taking on intense roles, embraced this one with dedication and nuance. 'When I was approached for the role of Professor Rajvir Shastri in Pushpa Impossible, I instantly knew this wasn't just another character — it was a man with a story that needed to be told with raw honesty,' said Chopra. 'Rajvir is not your typical television hero; he's a warrior, layered, wounded, yet fiercely intelligent.' As audiences warm up to the dynamic between Pushpa and Professor Rajvir, the chemistry between Karuna Pandey and Gaurav Chopra promises to deepen the narrative and captivate viewers with its emotional authenticity.
Time of India
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Gaurav Chopra grows his hair to play Professor Rajveer Shastri in ‘Pushpa Impossible'; says ‘I believe appearances speak volumes'
Bringing a fresh twist to Pushpa Impossible , celebrated actor Gaurav Chopra marks his return to television after five years in a powerful new role. He steps into the shoes of Professor Rajveer Shastri , a complex law professor whose presence is as commanding in the courtroom as it is emotionally layered in his personal life. Rajveer is not your typical character—he's a once-celebrated legal prodigy whose promising career came crashing down after a scandal. The fall left him with emotional scars, transforming him into a man driven by fierce intellect, internal battles, and a cynical worldview. To embody such a character authentically, Gaurav Chopra underwent a notable transformation , both physically and emotionally. He revealed, 'When I was approached for the role of Professor Rajveer Shastri in Pushpa Impossible, I instantly knew this wasn't just another character—it was a man with a story that needed to be told with raw honesty. Rajveer is not your typical television hero; he's a warrior, layered, wounded, yet fiercely intelligent.' Gaurav explained that growing out his hair played a significant part in slipping into Rajveer's skin. 'Portraying someone like him required more than just learning lines—it demanded a transformation in every sense. One of the first things I decided to do was grow my hair. It might sound like a small detail, but I believe appearances speak volumes, especially on screen. Rajveer's look had to echo his emotional state—unconventional, intense, and weathered by life. ' He added, 'The longer hair gave him a rugged edge, a sense of rebellion against the world that wronged him, and a quiet strength. It helped me internalize his pain, his cynicism, and his need for redemption.'
News18
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Gaurav Chopra Marks His Return To TV With Pushpa Impossible After 5-Year Hiatus
Gaurav Chopra has signed a pivotal role in the television show Pushpa Impossible, which began airing in June 2022. Gaurav Chopra, best known for his roles in television shows like Uttaran and Sadda Haq, recently garnered praise for his performance in the web series Rana Naidu. His diverse body of work includes a role in the Hollywood film Blood Diamond, participation in Bigg Boss 10, and appearances in films such as Humne Jeena Seekh Liya, Men Will Be Men, Bachchan Pandey, and Gadar 2. Last seen in the 2023 film Lakeerein as Dudhari Singh, the actor is now set to make his television comeback with the popular soap Pushpa Impossible. According to a report by ETimes, Gaurav Chopra signed a pivotal role in the television show Pushpa Impossible, which began airing in June 2022. This will also mark the actor's comeback to the small screen after a hiatus of almost 5 years. FYI: He last appeared on the TV show Sanjivani as Navratan (NV) Singh, which aired on Star Plus channel in 2020. Talking about Pushpa Impossible, the plotline of the serial is centred around the life of a mid-40-year-old woman named Pushpa Patel's journey from being a house help to navigating through various struggles. Here, Chopra's character is believed to bring a fresh dose of energy. Now, in a candid conversation with the same portal, the actor opened up about accepting the role and said, 'I am one of those fortunate actors, who has been offered interesting and not the cliche roles on TV. Pushpa has an interesting story, and my role is well-written," adding that he never had planned to stay away from television. He continued, 'TV is a great medium and I have always enjoyed playing roles which have a challenge and depth. I have preferred to keep away from roles which are common in social dramas. In the past few years, while I was acting in films and OTT shows, I had never decided to keep away from TV. I was waiting for the right roles." The 46-year-old further discloses, 'I play a lawyer, who becomes a mentor to Pushpa after much reluctance. The mentorship is earned, and he motivates her in her journey ahead." 'I tend to make strong opinions when I watch shows or any content, so I prefer to do my homework on a show when 1 am approached for a role in it. I do watch TV shows, but not on a regular basis. I also don't watch OTT shows. I prefer to watch classic films at home, and there is a lot to learn from them," he concluded. First Published: May 02, 2025, 17:26 IST
