Microglia in Alzheimer's disease.
David V Hansen1, Jesse E Hanson2, Morgan Sheng3
1Department of Neuroscience, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA hansen.david@gene.com.
The Journal of Cell Biology
|December 3, 2017
Summary
Microglia play a dual role in Alzheimer's disease (AD), potentially protecting against or harming the brain. Understanding their complex functions is crucial for developing effective AD treatments.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Genetics
Background:
- Microglia, the brain's immune cells, are implicated in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis, with many AD risk genes highly expressed in these cells.
- Evidence suggests microglia may protect against AD, as impaired function is linked to increased risk.
- Conversely, activated microglia can harm neurons, exacerbating AD pathology through synapse loss, tau spread, and inflammation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the multifaceted roles of microglia in Alzheimer's disease.
- To reconcile the seemingly contradictory protective and detrimental effects of microglia in AD.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of human genetics data.
- Review of existing evidence on microglial function in AD.
- Examination of gene expression profiles in neurodegenerative diseases.
Main Results:
- Microglia exhibit diverse activation states in neurodegenerative conditions.
- Genetic data highlight microglia's central role in AD.
- Microglial activity can be both protective and detrimental to neuronal health and AD progression.
Conclusions:
- Microglia possess complex, context-dependent roles in Alzheimer's disease.
- Their dual function may stem from distinct activation states.
- Further research into microglial states is essential for understanding AD and developing therapies.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Alzheimer's Disease: Overview
1.8K
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a continually advancing neurodegenerative disorder, distinguished by escalating memory loss, cognitive dysfunction, and dementia. The disease unfolds in three stages: preclinical, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia. Its onset is insidious, and the progression gradual, with the cause not well explained by other disorders.
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ...
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ...
1.8K
01:22Alzheimer's Disease: Treatment
1.0K
Alzheimer's Disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disorder, is pathologically identified by amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles composed of tau protein. AD pharmacotherapy aims to manage cognitive symptoms, delay disease progression, and treat behavioral symptoms. The treatment is primarily symptomatic and palliative, with no definitive disease-modifying therapy available. Cholinesterase inhibitors, including donepezil (Aricept), rivastigmine (Exelon), and galantamine (Razadyne), are...
1.0K