Age-related behavioral and molecular landmarks in new mouse models for studying Alzheimer's disease in Down syndrome.

INTRODUCTION

Down syndrome (DS) is the leading genetic cause of intellectual disability and Alzheimer's disease (AD), with over 90% of individuals developing AD-related dementia (DSAD). The triplication of the APP gene on chromosome 21 drives early amyloid-β (Aβ) accumulation, but other Hsa21 genes also contribute to pathology. Current DSAD models are limited by species-specific Aβ differences.

METHODS

We developed and characterized two novel DSAD mouse models with partial humanization of Aβ.

RESULTS

These models exhibit early AD features: cognitive deficits, hyperactivity, altered novelty and risk responses, tau hyperphosphorylation, and endolysosomal dysfunction. Amyloid precursor protein (APP) processing shifts toward β-secretase, increasing CTF-β and altering Aβ dynamics. Aβ humanization modulates behavior, improving specific cognitive tasks but enhancing anxiety traits. Myelinosome formation and impaired autophagic flux further align these models with human AD pathology.

DISCUSSION: They offer valuable tools to investigate early DSAD mechanisms and therapeutic strategies, pending development of a fully humanized trisomic model.