Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2026

Analysis of Dendritic Spine Morphology in Cultured CNS Neurons
Published on: July 13, 2011
Dynamic Microtubules in Alzheimer's Disease: Association with Dendritic Spine Pathology
E I Pchitskaya1, V A Zhemkov2, I B Bezprozvanny3,4
1Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration, Department of Medical Physics, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, St. Petersburg, 195251, Russia. katrincreative@yandex.ru.
Abstract:
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common incurable neurodegenerative disorder that affects the processes of memory formation and storage. The loss of dendritic spines and alteration in their morphology in AD correlate with the extent of patient's cognitive decline. Tubulin had been believed to be restricted to dendritic shafts, until recent studies demonstrated that dynamically growing tubulin microtubules enter dendritic spines and promote their maturation. Abnormalities of tubulin cytoskeleton may contribute to the process of dendritic spine shape alteration and their subsequent loss in AD. In this review, association between tubulin cytoskeleton dynamics and dendritic spine morphology is discussed in the context of dendritic spine alterations in AD. Potential implications of these findings for the development of AD therapy are proposed.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Assembly of Complex Microtubule Structures
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 and tau...
Alzheimer Disease l: Introduction
Alzheimer Disease ll: Pathophysiology
Dementia l: Introduction

