The enzyme degrades anti-inflammatory fatty acids in the brain. Blocking it with a brain-penetrant small molecule calmed A1 astrocytes, synapse-eating microglia, and improved amyloidosis and cognition in a mouse model.
Plaque-ridden 5xFAD mice were no better at fending off an intracerebral herpes virus infection than their wild-type counterparts. The virus was not to be found within Aβ plaques and did not spur plaques to form.
By comparing protein changes with GWAS data, scientists identified new links to AD. This method can unearth genes that otherwise fall short of genome-wide significance.
In mouse models of Aβ toxicity and amyloidosis, inhibiting the integrated stress response restored protein production, spared synapses, and brought back memory.
When cultured with human neurons expressing a familial Alzheimer’s gene, both microglia and astrocytes were necessary to spike complement C3 and send inflammation into overdrive.
In mice, an anti-ApoE antibody removed plaques from the brain’s parenchyma and blood vessels better than aducanumab. Importantly, it caused no microhemorrhages.
Based on pooled data from five well-characterized cohorts, women appear to initially outperform men, but then slide faster, on global cognition and executive function. Oddly, this was not true for memory.
Plaques abound, cytokines spike, microglia swell with lipids and send out spermine SOS signals in Denali model. Mice will be shared, allowing unrestricted use.
Whole-genome sequencing combined with expression data identifies five LBD loci: three known and two new. Four increased LBD risk while one appears protective.
Three young monkeys missing exon 9 of presenilin 1 seem to have an elevated Aβ42/40 ratio. It remains to be seen if they will develop plaques and tangles as they age.