Lowering beta-amyloid levels rescues learning and memory in a Down syndrome mouse model.
beta-amyloid levels are elevated in Down syndrome (DS) patients throughout life and are believed to cause Alzheimer's disease (AD) in adult members of this population. However, it is not known if beta-amyloid contributes to intellectual disability in younger individuals. We used a gamma-secretase inhibitor to lower beta-amyloid levels in young mice that model DS. This treatment corrected learning deficits characteristic of these mice, suggesting that beta-amyloid-lowering therapies might improve cognitive function in young DS patients.
Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York, USA. netzerw@rockefeller.edu
William J
WJ
Netzer
Craig
C
Powell
Yi
Y
Nong
Jacqueline
J
Blundell
Lili
L
Wong
Karen
K
Duff
Marc
M
Flajolet
Paul
P
Greengard
D053829:Amyloid Precursor Protein Secretases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D016229:Amyloid beta-Peptides / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004314:Down Syndrome / Q000378:metabolism*; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology; D007858:Learning; D008568:Memory; D051379:Mice; D008822:Mice, Transgenic
D016229:Amyloid beta-Peptides; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D053829:Amyloid Precursor Protein Secretases