Abstract
Background Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) Research has long been focusing on Ab-containing amyloid plaque deposition and tau-containing tangles. However, recent clinical trial outcomes by Ab-lowering approaches have been disappointing. As an alternative approach, the present study focuses on mechanisms that prevent neuronal loss, another pathological hallmark of AD. Specifically, we have uncovered an unexpected role of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) in AD.
Highlights
Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) Research has long been focusing on Ab-containing amyloid plaque deposition and tau-containing tangles
We have previously developed a method to quickly isolate neurons from postmortem brains, and grow primary neurons in culture for an extended period (Konishi et al, Am J Pathol. 2002, 161(5):1567-76). Taking advantage of this unique resource, we have used primary cortical neurons from rapidly autopsied aged human brains to explore differences between cortical neurons from AD brain and those from non-demented healthy elderly (ND). Using this system, we have made a number of interesting findings
Compared with ND neurons, there is a selective reduction in the expression of specific glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) family receptor in AD neurons
Summary
Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) Research has long been focusing on Ab-containing amyloid plaque deposition and tau-containing tangles. Recent clinical trial outcomes by Ab-lowering approaches have been disappointing. The present study focuses on mechanisms that prevent neuronal loss, another pathological hallmark of AD. We have uncovered an unexpected role of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) in AD
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