Beta amyloid oligomers and fibrils stimulate differential activation of primary microglia
2009

How Different Forms of Amyloid Beta Affect Microglia in Alzheimer's Disease

publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Cindy M Sondag, Gunjan Dhawan, Colin K Combs

Primary Institution: University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences

Hypothesis

The study investigates how oligomeric and fibrillar forms of amyloid beta (Aβ) differentially activate microglia.

Conclusion

Oligomers and fibrils of Aβ stimulate unique signaling responses in microglia, leading to different effects on neuron survival.

Supporting Evidence

  • Oligomers stimulated increased levels of active, phosphorylated Lyn and Syk kinase compared to fibrils.
  • Oligomers stimulated a differential secretory profile for interleukin 6, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and keratinocyte chemoattractant when compared to fibrils.
  • Soluble oligomers stimulated death of cultured cortical neurons that was exacerbated by the presence of microglia.

Takeaway

This study shows that two forms of a protein related to Alzheimer's disease affect brain cells in different ways, which could help us find new treatments.

Methodology

The study used synthetic Aβ1–42 oligomers and fibrils to stimulate primary murine microglia and analyzed their signaling responses and secretory profiles.

Limitations

The study primarily focuses on in vitro models, which may not fully replicate in vivo conditions.

Participant Demographics

Primary murine microglia and cortical neurons were used in the study.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1742-2094-6-1

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