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Trehalose improves the movement ability of AβarcDrosophila by restoring the damaged mitochondria

Liangxian Li1,2, Zhiheng Huang1,3, Mingli Wu2

  • 1Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541199, China.

Translational Neuroscience
|April 16, 2024
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Trehalose significantly enhances movement in a Alzheimer's disease (AD) fruit fly model by reducing amyloid-beta (Aβ) levels and restoring mitochondrial function. This study highlights trehalose as a potential therapeutic agent for AD.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Biochemistry
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Amyloid-beta (Aβ) deposition, particularly Aβ42, is a key hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD).
  • Developing effective drugs targeting Aβ toxicity has faced significant challenges, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the therapeutic effects of trehalose on an Alzheimer's disease (AD) fruit fly model expressing arctic mutant Aβ42 (Aβarc).
  • To elucidate the underlying mechanisms by which trehalose influences Aβ toxicity and associated pathologies.

Main Methods:

  • Generation of a *Drosophila melanogaster* model expressing human Aβarc to mimic AD.
  • Administration of trehalose and assessment of locomotor activity (climbing and flight).
  • Biochemical analysis of Aβarc, ATP, and lactate levels; evaluation of mitochondrial structure and function using electron microscopy and functional assays.

Main Results:

  • Trehalose treatment dose-dependently improved the movement ability of Aβarc fruit flies.
  • Trehalose reduced Aβarc and lactate levels while increasing ATP content in both the brain and thorax.
  • Significant restoration of mitochondrial structure and function was observed in trehalose-treated Aβarc flies.

Conclusions:

  • Trehalose ameliorates AD-like phenotypes in a *Drosophila* model by reducing Aβarc levels.
  • Trehalose restores mitochondrial structure and function, contributing to improved motor performance.
  • These findings suggest trehalose holds promise as a therapeutic intervention for Alzheimer's disease.
Keywords:
Alzheimer’s diseaseAβarcDrosophilamitochondriamovement abilitytrehalose

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