Umbilical cord stem cells from presenilin 1 E280A carriers, once differentiated into cholinergic-like neurons, pumped out Aβ42 and accumulated phosphorylated tau and apoptotic markers.
New research suggests the R47H variant protects neurons from neurodegeneration, raising questions about staging and direction of future TREM2-based therapy.
By suppressing a single gene, scientists triggered the transformation of astrocytes into neurons in the mouse substantia nigra, where the converts released dopamine and connected with the striatum.
A mouse study claims that the small GTPase restrains pro-inflammatory responses in microglia. Aβ oligomers inhibit RhoA, promoting Aβ deposition and neurodegeneration.
Released from hippocampal neurons in response to experience, the cytokine prompted microglia to eat extracellular matrix around synapses. This facilitated growth of new spines, and sharpened memory.
In people with Alzheimer’s biomarkers, the basal forebrain shrinks early, foreshadowing microglial neurotoxicity, atrophy in the medial temporal lobe, and cognitive decline.
Alector’s AL002c antibody mobilizes microglia, reduces neuronal dystrophy, and restores normal behavior—all in mice. The clinical version is in Phase 1.
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Scientists report at AAT-AD/PD that they tightened a causal connection between gut microbes, microglial function, and protein deposits. In mice, that is.
In a mouse model of amyloidosis, human wild-type TREM2 kept Aβ deposition at bay early on, but this defense became overwhelmed as plaques grew. The R47H AD risk variant never offered protection early on, and made things worse later.