Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 21, 2026

Detection of Neuritic Plaques in Alzheimer's Disease Mouse Model
Published on: July 26, 2011
The emerging link between O-GlcNAc and Alzheimer disease
Yanping Zhu1, Xiaoyang Shan2, Scott A Yuzwa2
1From the Departments of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry and Chemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia V5A 1S6, Canada.
Abstract:
Regional glucose hypometabolism is a defining feature of Alzheimer disease (AD). One emerging link between glucose hypometabolism and progression of AD is the nutrient-responsive post-translational O-GlcNAcylation of nucleocytoplasmic proteins. O-GlcNAc is abundant in neurons and occurs on both tau and amyloid precursor protein. Increased brain O-GlcNAcylation protects against tau and amyloid-β peptide toxicity. Decreased O-GlcNAcylation occurs in AD, suggesting that glucose hypometabolism may impair the protective roles of O-GlcNAc within neurons and enable neurodegeneration. Here, we review how O-GlcNAc may link cerebral glucose hypometabolism to progression of AD and summarize data regarding the protective role of O-GlcNAc in AD models.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Alzheimer Disease l: Introduction
Alzheimer Disease ll: Pathophysiology
Alzheimer's Disease: Overview
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ...
Alzheimer's Disease: Treatment
Dementia l: Introduction
Cognitive Enhancers: Cholinesterase Inhibitors and NMDA Receptor Antagonists

