Neuron Loss and Behavioral Deficits in the TBA42 Mouse Model Expressing N-Truncated Pyroglutamate Amyloid-β 3–42

Abstract

Pyroglutamate-modified amyloid-β (Aβ) at amino acid position three (Aβ_pE3–42) is gaining considerable attention as a potential key player in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Aβ_pE3–42 is abundant in AD brain and has a high aggregation propensity, stability, and cellular toxicity. The aim of the present work was to study the effect of Aβ_pE3–42 expression on neuron loss and associated behavioral deficits using the TBA42 transgenic mouse model. Expression of pyroglutamate Aβ_3–42 triggers hippocampal CA1 neuron loss and behavioral deficits in the TBA42 mouse model. Mice elicited significant neuron death (−35% at the age of 12 months), deficits in the spatial reference memory, working memory, loss of anxiety, and severe motor deficits in an age-dependent manner. These results support a major pathological function of pyroglutamate Aβ in AD.