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Sun KT, Mok SA. Inducers and modulators of protein aggregation in Alzheimer's disease - Critical tools for understanding the foundations of aggregate structures. Neurotherapeutics 2025:e00512. [PMID: 39755501 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurot.2024.e00512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2024] [Revised: 12/02/2024] [Accepted: 12/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/06/2025] Open
Abstract
Amyloidogenic protein aggregation is a pathological hallmark of Alzheimer's Disease (AD). As such, this critical feature of the disease has been instrumental in guiding research on the mechanistic basis of disease, diagnostic biomarkers and preventative and therapeutic treatments. Here we review identified molecular triggers and modulators of aggregation for two of the proteins associated with AD: amyloid beta and tau. We aim to provide an overview of how specific molecular factors can impact aggregation kinetics and aggregate structure to promote disease. Looking toward the future, we highlight some research areas of focus that would accelerate efforts to effectively target protein aggregation in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerry T Sun
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2H7, Canada
| | - Sue-Ann Mok
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2H7, Canada.
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2
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Böken D, Wu Y, Zhang Z, Klenerman D. Detecting the Undetectable: Advances in Methods for Identifying Small Tau Aggregates in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Chembiochem 2024:e202400877. [PMID: 39688878 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202400877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2024] [Revised: 12/16/2024] [Accepted: 12/17/2024] [Indexed: 12/18/2024]
Abstract
Tau, a microtubule-associated protein, plays a critical role in maintaining neuronal structure and function. However, in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and other tauopathies, tau misfolds and aggregates into oligomers and fibrils, leading to neuronal damage. Tau oligomers are increasingly recognised as the most neurotoxic species, inducing synaptic dysfunction and contributing to disease progression. Detecting these early-stage aggregates is challenging due to their low concentration and high heterogeneity in biological samples. Traditional methods such as immunostaining and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) lack the sensitivity and specificity to reliably detect small tau aggregates. Advanced single-molecule approaches, including single-molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer (smFRET) and single-molecule pull-down (SiMPull), offer improved sensitivity for studying tau aggregation at the molecular level. These emerging tools provide critical insights into tau pathology, enabling earlier detection and characterisation of disease-relevant aggregates, thereby offering potential for the development of targeted therapies and diagnostic approaches for tauopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorothea Böken
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0AH, UK
| | - Yunzhao Wu
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0AH, UK
| | - Ziwei Zhang
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0AH, UK
| | - David Klenerman
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0AH, UK
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3
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Petrovic A, Do TT, Fernández-Busnadiego R. New insights into the molecular architecture of neurons by cryo-electron tomography. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2024; 90:102939. [PMID: 39667254 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2024.102939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2024] [Revised: 09/10/2024] [Accepted: 11/14/2024] [Indexed: 12/14/2024]
Abstract
Cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) visualizes natively preserved cellular ultrastructure at molecular resolution. Recent developments in sample preparation workflows and image processing tools enable growing applications of cryo-ET in cellular neurobiology. As such, cryo-ET is beginning to unravel the in situ macromolecular organization of neurons using samples of increasing complexity. Here, we highlight advances in cryo-ET technology and review its recent use to study neuronal architecture and its alterations under disease conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arsen Petrovic
- University Medical Center Göttingen, Institute for Neuropathology, Göttingen, 37077, Germany; Cluster of Excellence "Multiscale Bioimaging: from Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells" (MBExC), University of Göttingen, Göttingen, 37077, Germany.
| | - Thanh Thao Do
- University Medical Center Göttingen, Institute for Neuropathology, Göttingen, 37077, Germany
| | - Rubén Fernández-Busnadiego
- University Medical Center Göttingen, Institute for Neuropathology, Göttingen, 37077, Germany; Cluster of Excellence "Multiscale Bioimaging: from Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells" (MBExC), University of Göttingen, Göttingen, 37077, Germany; Faculty of Physics, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, 37077, Germany.
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4
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Sharma V, Sharma P, Singh TG. Leukotriene signaling in neurodegeneration: implications for treatment strategies. Inflammopharmacology 2024; 32:3571-3584. [PMID: 39167313 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-024-01557-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 08/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
Leukotrienes (LTs) are a group of substances that cause inflammation. They are produced by the enzyme 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) from arachidonic acid. Cysteinyl LTs are a group of lipid molecules that have a prominent role in inflammatory signaling in the allergic diseases. Although they are traditionally known for their role in allergic disease, current advancements in bio-medical research have shed light on the involvement of these inflammatory mediators in diseases such as in the inflammation related to central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Among the CNS diseases, LTs, along with 5-LOX and their receptors, have been shown to be associated with multiple sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer's disease (AD), and Parkinson's disease (PD). Through a comprehensive review of current research and experimentation, this investigation provides an insight on the biosynthesis, receptors, and biological effects of LTs in the body. Furthermore, implications of leukotriene signaling in CNS and its intricate role in neurodegeneration are also studied. Through the revelation of these insights, our aim is to establish a foundation for the development of enhanced and focused therapeutic approaches in the continuous endeavor to combat neurodegeneration. Furthermore, the pharmacological inhibition of leukotriene signaling with selective inhibitors offers promising prospects for future interventions and treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veerta Sharma
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Rajpura, 140401, Punjab, India
| | - Prateek Sharma
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Rajpura, 140401, Punjab, India
| | - Thakur Gurjeet Singh
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Rajpura, 140401, Punjab, India.
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5
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Tenchov R, Sasso JM, Zhou QA. Alzheimer's Disease: Exploring the Landscape of Cognitive Decline. ACS Chem Neurosci 2024; 15:3800-3827. [PMID: 39392435 PMCID: PMC11587518 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.4c00339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2024] [Revised: 09/26/2024] [Accepted: 10/04/2024] [Indexed: 10/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive decline, memory loss, and impaired daily functioning. The pathology of AD is marked by the accumulation of amyloid beta plaques and tau protein tangles in the brain, along with neuroinflammation and synaptic dysfunction. Genetic factors, such as mutations in APP, PSEN1, and PSEN2 genes, as well as the APOE ε4 allele, contribute to increased risk of acquiring AD. Currently available treatments provide symptomatic relief but do not halt disease progression. Research efforts are focused on developing disease-modifying therapies that target the underlying pathological mechanisms of AD. Advances in identification and validation of reliable biomarkers for AD hold great promise for enhancing early diagnosis, monitoring disease progression, and assessing treatment response in clinical practice in effort to alleviate the burden of this devastating disease. In this paper, we analyze data from the CAS Content Collection to summarize the research progress in Alzheimer's disease. We examine the publication landscape in effort to provide insights into current knowledge advances and developments. We also review the most discussed and emerging concepts and assess the strategies to combat the disease. We explore the genetic risk factors, pharmacological targets, and comorbid diseases. Finally, we inspect clinical applications of products against AD with their development pipelines and efforts for drug repurposing. The objective of this review is to provide a broad overview of the evolving landscape of current knowledge regarding AD, to outline challenges, and to evaluate growth opportunities to further efforts in combating the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rumiana Tenchov
- CAS, a division of the American Chemical
Society, Columbus Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Janet M. Sasso
- CAS, a division of the American Chemical
Society, Columbus Ohio 43210, United States
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6
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Sokratian A, Zhou Y, Tatli M, Burbidge KJ, Xu E, Viverette E, Donzelli S, Duda AM, Yuan Y, Li H, Strader S, Patel N, Shiell L, Malankhanova T, Chen O, Mazzulli JR, Perera L, Stahlberg H, Borgnia M, Bartesaghi A, Lashuel HA, West AB. Mouse α-synuclein fibrils are structurally and functionally distinct from human fibrils associated with Lewy body diseases. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadq3539. [PMID: 39485845 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adq3539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 09/27/2024] [Indexed: 11/03/2024]
Abstract
The intricate process of α-synuclein aggregation and fibrillization holds pivotal roles in Parkinson's disease (PD) and multiple system atrophy (MSA). While mouse α-synuclein can fibrillize in vitro, whether these fibrils commonly used in research to induce this process or form can reproduce structures in the human brain remains unknown. Here, we report the first atomic structure of mouse α-synuclein fibrils, which was solved in parallel by two independent teams. The structure shows striking similarity to MSA-amplified and PD-associated E46K fibrils. However, mouse α-synuclein fibrils display altered packing arrangements, reduced hydrophobicity, and heightened fragmentation sensitivity and evoke only weak immunological responses. Furthermore, mouse α-synuclein fibrils exhibit exacerbated pathological spread in neurons and humanized α-synuclein mice. These findings provide critical insights into the structural underpinnings of α-synuclein pathogenicity and emphasize a need to reassess the role of mouse α-synuclein fibrils in the development of related diagnostic probes and therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arpine Sokratian
- Duke Center for Neurodegeneration Research, Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
| | - Ye Zhou
- Department of Computer Science, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Meltem Tatli
- Laboratory of Biological Electron Microscopy, Institute of Physics, School of Basic Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, and Department of Fundamental Microbiology, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Kevin J Burbidge
- Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Enquan Xu
- Duke Center for Neurodegeneration Research, Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Elizabeth Viverette
- Duke Center for Neurodegeneration Research, Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Department of Health and Human Services, Genome Integrity and Structural Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Durham, NC 27709, USA
| | - Sonia Donzelli
- Laboratory of Molecular and Chemical Biology of Neurodegeneration, Institute of Bioengineering, School of Life Sciences, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Addison M Duda
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Yuan Yuan
- Duke Center for Neurodegeneration Research, Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Huizhong Li
- Duke Center for Neurodegeneration Research, Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Samuel Strader
- Duke Center for Neurodegeneration Research, Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Nirali Patel
- Duke Center for Neurodegeneration Research, Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Lauren Shiell
- Duke Center for Neurodegeneration Research, Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Tuyana Malankhanova
- Duke Center for Neurodegeneration Research, Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Olivia Chen
- Duke Center for Neurodegeneration Research, Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Joseph R Mazzulli
- Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Lalith Perera
- Department of Health and Human Services, Genome Integrity and Structural Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Durham, NC 27709, USA
| | - Henning Stahlberg
- Laboratory of Biological Electron Microscopy, Institute of Physics, School of Basic Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, and Department of Fundamental Microbiology, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Mario Borgnia
- Department of Health and Human Services, Genome Integrity and Structural Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Durham, NC 27709, USA
| | - Alberto Bartesaghi
- Department of Computer Science, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27705, USA
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Hilal A Lashuel
- Laboratory of Molecular and Chemical Biology of Neurodegeneration, Institute of Bioengineering, School of Life Sciences, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Qatar Foundation ND BioSciences, Qatar Foundation Headquarters, PO Box 3400, Al Rayyan, Qatar
| | - Andrew B West
- Duke Center for Neurodegeneration Research, Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
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7
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Kixmoeller K, Creekmore BC, Lee EB, Chang YW. Bridging structural biology and clinical research through in-tissue cryo-electron tomography. EMBO J 2024; 43:4810-4813. [PMID: 39284913 PMCID: PMC11534999 DOI: 10.1038/s44318-024-00216-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2024] [Accepted: 08/16/2024] [Indexed: 10/11/2024] Open
Abstract
This commentary of the Sparks of Science series from the Catalysts program reflects on the contribution of technological advances in cryo-EM to medically relevant studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Kixmoeller
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Institute of Structural Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Benjamin C Creekmore
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Institute of Structural Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Translational Neuropathology Research Laboratory, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Edward B Lee
- Translational Neuropathology Research Laboratory, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Yi-Wei Chang
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Institute of Structural Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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8
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Dahmane S, Schexnaydre E, Zhang J, Rosendal E, Chotiwan N, Kumari Singh B, Yau WL, Lundmark R, Barad B, Grotjahn DA, Liese S, Carlson A, Overby A, Carlson LA. Cryo-electron tomography reveals coupled flavivirus replication, budding and maturation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.10.13.618056. [PMID: 39416041 PMCID: PMC11482891 DOI: 10.1101/2024.10.13.618056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2024]
Abstract
Flaviviruses replicate their genomes in replication organelles (ROs) formed as bud-like invaginations on the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane, which also functions as the site for virion assembly. While this localization is well established, it is not known to what extent viral membrane remodeling, genome replication, virion assembly, and maturation are coordinated. Here, we imaged tick-borne flavivirus replication in human cells using cryo-electron tomography. We find that the RO membrane bud is shaped by a combination of a curvature-establishing coat and the pressure from intraluminal template RNA. A protein complex at the RO base extends to an adjacent membrane, where immature virions bud. Naturally occurring furin site variants determine whether virions mature in the immediate vicinity of ROs. We further visualize replication in mouse brain tissue by cryo-electron tomography. Taken together, these findings reveal a close spatial coupling of flavivirus genome replication, budding, and maturation.
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Barrantes FJ. Cognitive synaptopathy: synaptic and dendritic spine dysfunction in age-related cognitive disorders. Front Aging Neurosci 2024; 16:1476909. [PMID: 39420927 PMCID: PMC11484076 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2024.1476909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2024] [Accepted: 09/20/2024] [Indexed: 10/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Cognitive impairment is a leading component of several neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental diseases, profoundly impacting on the individual, the family, and society at large. Cognitive pathologies are driven by a multiplicity of factors, from genetic mutations and genetic risk factors, neurotransmitter-associated dysfunction, abnormal connectomics at the level of local neuronal circuits and broader brain networks, to environmental influences able to modulate some of the endogenous factors. Otherwise healthy older adults can be expected to experience some degree of mild cognitive impairment, some of which fall into the category of subjective cognitive deficits in clinical practice, while many neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases course with more profound alterations of cognition, particularly within the spectrum of the dementias. Our knowledge of the underlying neuropathological mechanisms at the root of this ample palette of clinical entities is far from complete. This review looks at current knowledge on synaptic modifications in the context of cognitive function along healthy ageing and cognitive dysfunction in disease, providing insight into differential diagnostic elements in the wide range of synapse alterations, from those associated with the mild cognitive changes of physiological senescence to the more profound abnormalities occurring at advanced clinical stages of dementia. I propose the term "cognitive synaptopathy" to encompass the wide spectrum of synaptic pathologies associated with higher brain function disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco J. Barrantes
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Biomedical Research Institute, Pontifical Catholic University of Argentina (UCA), Argentine Scientific and Technological Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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10
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Fernandopulle MS, Ward ME. Hybrid protein filaments are a surprise twist in neurodegeneration. Nature 2024; 634:550-551. [PMID: 39358638 DOI: 10.1038/d41586-024-03054-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/04/2024]
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11
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Scheres SHW. Alzheimer's plaques and tangles revealed by 3D microscopy. Nature 2024; 631:747-748. [PMID: 38987332 DOI: 10.1038/d41586-024-02119-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
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