Tech Session IV: Alternative Methods to Animal Testing I
The Aβ42:Aβ40 ratio in amyloid plaques and its role in blood-brain barrier dysfunction
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
3:49 PM – 4:00 PM EDT
Introduction: One major hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the uncontrollable aggregation of beta-amyloid (Aβ) peptides in the brain. Traditionally, the substantial neurotoxic effects of these protein agglomerates are linked to Aβ42-containing oligomers, whereas mixed Aβ42:Aβ40 oligomers, incorporating the less aggregation-prone but more abundant Aβ40, remain mainly unexplored [1,2]. This study investigates the biological effects of these mixed oligomers, focusing on their impact on neuroinflammation and blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity.
Learning Objectives:
At the completion of this activity, participants will know
reveal structural properties and cellular impacts of mixed amyloid oligomers via Raman microscopy.
evaluate specific cellular responses to beta-amyloid aggregates using a complex BBB model.
demonstrate the critical role of Aβ40 in oligomer aggregation, cellular toxicity and dysfunction.
