title: [Applications of AFM in mechanism study of Alzheimer's disease].
abstract: Atomic force microscope (AFM) has become a well-established technique for biological sample imaging under physiological conditions. The unique capacity to produce nanometer scale resolution images with simple specimen preparation enables AFM to serve as a powerful tool in neurobiology research. Extensive studies suggest that the conversion of beta-amyloid (Abeta) peptide from soluble forms into fibrillar structure is a key factor in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). AFM has provided useful insights at all stages of Abeta fibrillization, thus making therapeutic strategy possible. In this brief review, the principles and techniques of AFM and their effects on the pathogenetic study of AD, especially on the study of Abeta and Abeta oligomer are outlined.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, the First Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China.
authors.forename: Jianxiu
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Tiebin
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: Desheng
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Wang
mesh_terms: D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D016229:Amyloid beta-Peptides / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D018625:Microscopy, Atomic Force
chemical_list: D016229:Amyloid beta-Peptides