Neuronal Models for Studying Tau Pathology.

Koechling, Thorsten; Lim, Filip; Hernandez, Felix; Avila, Jesus

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most frequent neurodegenerative disorder leading to dementia in the aged human population. It is characterized by the presence of two main pathological hallmarks in the brain: senile plaques containing β-amyloid peptide and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), consisting of fibrillar polymers of abnormally phosphorylated tau protein. Both of these histological characteristics of the disease have been simulated in genetically modified animals, which today include numerous mouse, fish, worm, and fly models of AD. The objective of this review is to present some of the main animal models that exist for reproducing symptoms of the disorder and their advantages and shortcomings as suitable models of the pathological processes. Moreover, we will discuss the results and conclusions which have been drawn from the use of these models so far and their contribution to the development of therapeutic applications for AD.

MADRID (Spain); SPAIN; MEDICAL research; PATIENTS; DISEASES in older people; CARE of Alzheimer's patients; THIAMIN pyrophosphate; NEURODEGENERATION; AMYLOID beta-protein precursor; POLYMERS; DISEASES

International Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, 2010, Vol 2010, p1

2090-0252

Academic Journal

10.4061/2010/528474