The function of BMP4 during neurogenesis in the adult hippocampus in Alzheimer's disease.
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an age-related, progressive and irreversible neurodegenerative disease that results in the loss of selected neurons throughout the basal forebrain, amygdala, hippocampus, and cortical area as well as progressive deficits of cognition and memory. The subgranular zone (SGZ) of the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) is one of the regions where adult neurogenesis occurs in mammals, including humans and non-human primates. The new granule cells, which are the primary excitatory neurons in the DG, contribute to the processes of learning and memory. The changes in neurogenesis observed during the initial stages and progression of AD suggest that the modulation of the new production of neurons at neurogenic sites may exert profound effects on hippocampal function. Bone morphogenetic protein-4 (BMP4) and its antagonist Noggin contribute to the modulation of neurogenesis in the adult hippocampus, thereby affecting hippocampal function. This review focuses on the role of BMP4 and Noggin in the control of the stem and precursor cells in the adult hippocampus during AD and their potential as a possible therapeutic strategy for AD sufferers. It is helpful to extend the understanding of the control of stem cells in the normal and diseased hippocampus.
Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, PR China. haiweixu2001@yahoo.com.cn
Haiwei
H
Xu
Wei
W
Huang
Yanjiang
Y
Wang
Weizhong
W
Sun
Jun
J
Tang
Dabing
D
Li
Pei
P
Xu
Liang
L
Guo
Zheng Qin
ZQ
Yin
Xiaotang
X
Fan
D000328:Adult; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology; D000818:Animals; D055415:Bone Morphogenetic Protein 4 / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology*; D002352:Carrier Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D006624:Hippocampus / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D008822:Mice, Transgenic; D055495:Neurogenesis / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D000099176:Noggin Protein
D055415:Bone Morphogenetic Protein 4; D002352:Carrier Proteins; D000099176:Noggin Protein; C525809:BMP4 protein, human