A Drosophila model of Alzheimer's disease

The development of a model of Alzheimer's disease in Drosophila allows us to identify and dissect pathological pathways using the most powerful genetic tools available to biology. By reconstructing essential steps in Alzheimer's pathology, such as amyloid beta peptide and tau overexpression, we can observe clear and rapid phenotypes that are surrogate markers for human disease. The characterization of progressive phenotypes by immunohistochemistry of the brain combined with longevity, climbing, and pseudopupil assays allows the investigator to generate quantitative data. Phenotypes may be modulated by changes in gene expression as part of a genetic screen or by potential therapeutic compounds.