Flortaucipir Imaging Distinguishes Alzheimer’s From Other Disorders
A large multicenter study confirms the tau PET ligand identifies AD at the dementia stage, but not so well at prodromal stages.
NEWS
In Conditional BACE1 Knockouts, Hippocampal Axons Compromised
Ablating BACE1 in adult mice spares them from most problems found in germline knockouts. However, axons extending from newborn hippocampal neurons still lose their way.
Does LRRK2 Sweep α-Synuclein from the Cell?
By promoting the exocytosis of cellular debris, the kinase may facilitate spread of α-synuclein aggregates.
Cognitive Deficits Worse with ALS Stage
Neuropsychological impairments are common in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, even more so for people at late stages of disease.
Lifestyle Coaching Slows Cognitive Decline in African-Americans with MCI
A behavioral intervention slowed memory slippage and functional decline over two years.
Does Cognition Change With the Seasons?
In large cohorts, older people tested in summer and autumn scored higher on cognitive tests than people tested in winter and spring. Is a seasonal clock ticking in the background?
Model Morass? R47H Mutation Scuttles TREM2 Expression in Mice, Not People
A new finding questions the usefulness of some mouse models.
Exercise Pill? Pharmacological Mimics Boost Cognition in Lazy Mice
Treatments that promote neurogenesis and elevate BDNF act as exercise does to improve memory in mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease.
Virtual Exhibit Hall
Alzforum has launched a Virtual Exhibit Hall, a place for companies to showcase their initatives, products, and services. We welcome our exhibitors - Biogen, BioLegend, NanoString Technologies, Inc., and The Jackson Laboratory and encourage our readers to explore their virtual booths here.
SPOTLIGHT
In Conditional BACE1 Knockouts, Hippocampal Axons Compromised
BACE1 conditional knockout mice escape most of the ominous traits seen in germline knockouts, according to a new study. However, one phenotype persists— disorganization of the hippocampal mossy fiber pathway. The results suggest that BACE1 guides newborn axons to their final destination throughout life, and has scientists urging caution when testing BACE1 inhibitors in Alzheimer’s disease patients.
Does LRRK2 Sweep α-Synuclein from the Cell?
New reports suggest that the PD-associated kinase steers lysosomes toward the cell membrane, where they promptly disgorge their contents into the extracellular space. The jetsam causes inflammation and helps spread toxic synuclein and perhaps even other proteins, the authors contend. The findings bolster the rationale for developing LRRK2 inhibitors.
AD Risk Variant Messes with Splicing of Mouse, Not Human, TREM2
A handful of labs have used CRISPR gene editing to introduce the infamous AD risk mutation—TREM2 R47H—into mice. The mutation dampened expression of the microglial receptor. A new study reports that splicing defects are to blame. However, splicing shenanigans only affect the mouse, not human, gene, calling into question the usefulness of four R47H TREM2 mouse models.
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