Probing the biology of Alzheimer's disease in mice

Neuron. 2010 Jun 10;66(5):631-45. doi: 10.1016/j.neuron.2010.04.031.

Abstract

Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common cause of dementia among the elderly, may either represent the far end of a continuum that begins with age-related memory decline or a distinct pathobiological process. Although mice that faithfully model all aspects of AD do not yet exist, current mouse models have provided valuable insights into specific aspects of AD pathogenesis. We will argue that transgenic mice expressing amyloid precursor protein should be considered models of accelerated brain aging or asymptomatic AD, and the results of interventional studies in these mice should be considered in the context of primary prevention. Studies in mice have pointed to the roles of soluble beta-amyloid (Abeta) oligomers and soluble tau in disease pathogenesis and support a model in which soluble Abeta oligomers trigger synaptic dysfunction, but formation of abnormal tau species leads to neuron death and cognitive decline severe enough to warrant a dementia diagnosis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Alzheimer Disease / genetics
  • Alzheimer Disease / metabolism*
  • Alzheimer Disease / pathology*
  • Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor / biosynthesis
  • Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor / genetics
  • Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor / physiology
  • Animals
  • Disease Models, Animal*
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • tau Proteins / biosynthesis
  • tau Proteins / genetics
  • tau Proteins / physiology

Substances

  • Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor
  • tau Proteins