Abstract
Growing evidence suggests that synaptic signaling is compromised in the aging brain and in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), contributing to synaptic decline. Wnt signaling is a prominent pathway at the synapse and is required for synaptic plasticity and maintenance in the adult brain. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on deregulation of Wnt signaling in the context of aging and AD. Emerging studies suggest that enhancing Wnt signaling could boost synaptic function during aging, and ameliorate synaptic pathology in AD. Although further research is needed to determine the precise contribution of deficient Wnt signaling to AD pathogenesis, targeting Wnt signaling components may provide novel therapeutic avenues for synapse protection or restoration in the brain.
Highlights
Wnt signaling was originally discovered as a tumorigenic pathway in the early 1980s
These findings suggest that Wnt signaling is dampened in the aged human brain
Compelling evidence supports the notion that Wnt signaling is deregulated in the aging brain and in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) (Figure 2B)
Summary
Deregulation in the Aging and Alzheimer’s Brain. Growing evidence suggests that synaptic signaling is compromised in the aging brain and in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), contributing to synaptic decline. Wnt signaling is a prominent pathway at the synapse and is required for synaptic plasticity and maintenance in the adult brain. We summarize the current knowledge on deregulation of Wnt signaling in the context of aging and AD. Emerging studies suggest that enhancing Wnt signaling could boost synaptic function during aging, and ameliorate synaptic pathology in AD. Further research is needed to determine the precise contribution of deficient Wnt signaling to AD pathogenesis, targeting Wnt signaling components may provide novel therapeutic avenues for synapse protection or restoration in the brain
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