Could we reverse memory loss in Alzheimer’s patients? Mice answer yes!

Aβ can affect the levels of certain molecules in the brain, one in parAcular is called Dickkopf-1 (Dkk1). This is interesAng because Dkk1 is an inhibitor of a family of proteins named Wnts, which have recently been suspected to be dys regu la ted in A l zhe imer ’ s d i sease . Importantly, an upregulaAon of Dkk1 is found in the brains of Alzheimer’s paAents. Also, Aβ elevates Dkk1 levels and blockade of Dkk1 protects synapses f rom Aβ-med ia ted degeneraAon. Our group decided to further invesAgate the effects of Dkk1 by varying its level in the brain. To achieve this, we used a laboratory technique widely used to engineer geneAcally modified mice that can produce different levels of a specific molecule at the scienAst’s will. To understand the effect of Dkk1 in the brain, we used a mouse which has more Dkk1 (let’s call it a “Dkk1-mouse”) than healthy mice. Hence, the Dkk1-mouse could mimic the changes brought on by Aβ.