title: Mathematical modeling for the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease.
abstract: Despite extensive research, the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative Alzheimer's disease (AD) still eludes our comprehension. This is largely due to complex and dynamic cross-talks that occur among multiple cell types throughout the aging process. We present a mathematical model that helps define critical components of AD pathogenesis based on differential rate equations that represent the known cross-talks involving microglia, astroglia, neurons, and amyloid-β (Aβ). We demonstrate that the inflammatory activation of microglia serves as a key node for progressive neurodegeneration. Our analysis reveals that targeting microglia may hold potential promise in the prevention and treatment of AD.
authors.affiliation: Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, United States of America. ikpuri@vt.edu
authors.forename: Ishwar K
authors.initials: IK
authors.lastname: Puri
authors.forename: Liwu
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Li
mesh_terms: D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000235:genetics* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D016229:Amyloid beta-Peptides / Q000378:metabolism; D001253:Astrocytes / Q000378:metabolism; D003198:Computer Simulation; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation; D017628:Microglia / Q000378:metabolism; D008954:Models, Biological; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D009410:Nerve Degeneration; D019636:Neurodegenerative Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology; D009474:Neurons / Q000378:metabolism; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D016229:Amyloid beta-Peptides