Stimulation of endogenous neurogenesis by anti-EFRH immunization in a transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease

M Becker, V Lavie, B Solomon - Proceedings of the …, 2007 - National Acad Sciences
M Becker, V Lavie, B Solomon
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2007National Acad Sciences
Neurogenesis is a subject of intense interest and extensive research, but it stands at the
center of a bitter debate over ethical and practical problems. Neurodegenerative diseases,
such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), accompanied by a shifting balance between
neurogenesis and neurodegeneration, are suitable for stimulation of neurogenesis for the
benefit of diseased patients. We have previously shown that Abs against the EFRH
sequence of β-amyloid peptide (AβP) prevent aggregation and disaggregate AβP both in …
Neurogenesis is a subject of intense interest and extensive research, but it stands at the center of a bitter debate over ethical and practical problems. Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), accompanied by a shifting balance between neurogenesis and neurodegeneration, are suitable for stimulation of neurogenesis for the benefit of diseased patients. We have previously shown that Abs against the EFRH sequence of β-amyloid peptide (AβP) prevent aggregation and disaggregate AβP both in vitro and in vivo. EFRH, located in the soluble tail of the N-terminal region, acts as a regulatory site controlling both solubilization and disaggregation processes in the AβP molecule. Here we show that anti-EFRH immunotherapy of a platelet-derived amyloid precursor protein transgenic mouse model of AD stimulates endogenous neurogenesis, suggested by elevated numbers of BrdU-incorporated cells, most of which are colocalized with a marker of mature neurons, NeuN. These newly born neurons expressed the activity-dependent gene Zif268, indicating their functional integration and participation in response to synaptic input in the brain. These findings suggest that anti-amyloid immunotherapy may promote recovery from AD or other diseases related to AβP overproduction and neurotoxicity by restoring neuronal population, as well as cognitive functions in treated patients.
National Acad Sciences