In mice, polyamines boost autophagy and promote clearance of soluble Aβ species. In cells, they counteract tau aggregation. In the Alzheimer’s brain, their metabolism is ramped up. Could spermidine supplements prevent or treat AD?
In animals, polyamines such as spermidine enhance autophagy, rejuvenate mitochondria, and slow cognitive decline. Buzzword: hypusination. Human data not far behind.
The first detailed look at expression profiles in blood vessels of the human brain identifies new cell subtypes. These cells express 30 of the top 45 AD risk genes.
The iPSC Neurodegenerative Disease Initiative is creating 100+ isogenic cell lines. Each carries a different risk variant for Alzheimer's or a related dementia. Scientists around the world can obtain the cells through Jackson Labs.
The fewer their meningeal lymphatic vessels, the slower treated mice clear plaques. Lymphatic dysfunction also drives microglial activation, hinting at a role in pathology.
Incorporation of a cryptic exon scuttles translation of UNC13A, but only in neurons lacking nuclear TDP-43. UNC13A ALS/FTD risk variants exacerbate the aberrant splicing.
In postmortem brain, proteins involved in all manner of vesicular functions waxed or waned with increasing phases of disease, starting years prior to symptoms.