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Published in: Neurological Research and Practice 1/2021

01-12-2021 | Alzheimer's Disease | Review

Glymphatic system, AQP4, and their implications in Alzheimer’s disease

Authors: Inês Silva, Jéssica Silva, Rita Ferreira, Diogo Trigo

Published in: Neurological Research and Practice | Issue 1/2021

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Abstract

Lacking conventional lymphatic system, the central nervous system requires alternative clearance systems, such as the glymphatic system, which promotes clearance of interstitial solutes. Aquaporin-4 water channels (AQP4) are an integral part of this system and related to neuropathologies, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The clearance of Alzheimer’s associated proteins amyloid β and tau is diminished by glymphatic system impairment, due to lack of AQP4. Even though AQP4 mislocalisation (which affects its activity) is a phenotype of AD, it remains a controversial topic, as it is still unclear if it is a phenotype-promoting factor or a consequence of this pathology. This review provides important and updated knowledge about glymphatic system, AQP4 itself, and their link with Alzheimer’s disease. Finally, AQP4 as a therapeutic target is proposed to ameliorate Alzheimer’s Disease and other neuropathologies AQP4-related.
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Metadata
Title
Glymphatic system, AQP4, and their implications in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors
Inês Silva
Jéssica Silva
Rita Ferreira
Diogo Trigo
Publication date
01-12-2021
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Neurological Research and Practice / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 2524-3489
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s42466-021-00102-7

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