Does LRRK2 Sweep α-Synuclein from the Cell?
By promoting the exocytosis of cellular debris, the kinase may facilitate spread of α-synuclein aggregates.
NEWS
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.
ALS Mutations Stiffen Profilin, Steer Protein Toward Aggregation
Computational models predict that ALS mutations tax the flexibility of profilin-1, weaken binding with key partners including actin, and boost the protein’s propensity to aggregate.
Tau Stymies Transport Through Neuron’s Nucleus
By yanking a nuclear protein out of its pore, phosphorylated tau makes nuclei leaky, disrupting the strictly controlled passage of proteins and setting tau up for aggregation.
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
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.
Join The Conversation
Professional Resources
New in last 7 days
-
Grants
- New Items: 7
- Total Items: 367
-
Jobs
- New Items: 7
- Total Items: 77
-
Conference Calendar
- New Items: 2
- Total Items: 64
- Member Directory
Latest Comments