Mathematical modeling for the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease.
basic_science · Level V
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- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 21179474.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0015176 and PMC identifier PMC1853138.
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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.