Exploring efficient and effective mammalian models for Alzheimer's disease

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Animal Models
• Pathology

Background:

• Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a complex neurodegenerative disorder.
• Current AD models require refinement to fully recapitulate disease multifactoriality.
• Understanding AD requires models that exhibit core pathology and associated comorbidities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and evaluate efficient and effective mammalian models for Alzheimer's disease (AD) research.
• To discuss criteria for ideal AD models, including pathology and systemic disturbances.
• To highlight underutilized species with potential for AD modeling.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and comparative analysis of existing and potential mammalian models for AD.
• Characterization of models based on efficiency (size, lifespan, pathology development) and effectiveness (co-pathology, systemic effects).
• Exploration of non-human primates, canines, tree shrews, guinea pigs, and degus as AD models.

Main Results:

• Efficient AD models display rapid amyloid plaque formation and short lifespans.
• Effective AD models mimic AD pathology, co-pathologies (e.g., Lewy body dementia), and systemic issues.
• Common marmosets and dogs show promise as effective AD models.
• Tree shrews, guinea pigs, and degus represent underexplored but potentially valuable models.

Conclusions:

• Mammalian models, including primates and canines, are crucial for advancing Alzheimer's disease (AD) research.
• Further investigation into species like tree shrews, guinea pigs, and degus may yield novel insights.
• Integrating diverse mammalian models with data science will accelerate AD prevention and treatment development.