Functional genetic CRISPR screen for prevention of synapse loss in AD

Nerve cells in the brain communicate with one another using specialized structures called synapses, which send chemical messages across tiny channels between cells. During Alzheimer's disease, beta-amyloid protein fragments are thought to accumulate in the brain and contribute to the damage or loss of synapses. This can hinder the nerve cells' ability to communicate and may contribute to cognitive decline. Phosphoinositides (PIs) are molecules important for nerve cell function and recent research suggests that certain modifications to PIs may help prevent synapse loss caused by beta-amyloid. PIs can be modified in several ways with the help of specific proteins found in nerve cells called PI-modifying enzymes. People with Alzheimer's disease may have decreased levels of these modifying proteins in their brains, which could compromise their ability to combat synapse loss caused by beta-amyloid.