News
In our recent paper we show that neuronal loss in Alzheimer’s disease is the result of a cell quality control mechanism trying to protect the brain from the accumulation of malfunctioning neurons. We have generated fruit flies that express in their brain the human amyloid-beta protein, that forms aggregates in the brains of AD patients. The formation of amyloid-β aggregates in the brain is a crucial step in the development of AD.
These Alzheimer flies display symptoms and pathologies similar to those of AD patients: they show loss of long-term memory, accelerated aging of the brain and motor coordination problems (Movie 1 below). If the culling of malfunctioning neurons is enhanced in this fly model of Alzheimer’s disease, the development of motor and cognitive defects is strongly delayed (see Movie 2).
Press links:
http://www.sci-news.com/medicine/beneficial-neuronal-loss-alzheimers-disease-06769.html
https://sicnoticias.sapo.pt/saude-e-bem-estar/2018-12-26-Morte-de-celulas-cerebrais-na-doenca-de-Alzheimer-e-benefica
http://www.jornalmedico.pt/atualidade/36817-estudo-morte-de-neuronios-pode-ser-benefica-na-doenca-de-alzheimer.html
Movie 1: Walking and orientation of Alzheimer flies
Movie 2: Walking of Alzheimer flies where removal of unfit neurons has been enhanced
