Vitorica’s group main goal is the characterization of transgenic mice models of AD at the cellular and molecular levels. In this way, they are now characterizing the putative implication of the glial response (both astro- and microglia), induced by the Abeta deposition, in the neuroprotective and/or neurodegenerative processes observed in this model.

Previous results demonstrated that, in the PS1xAPP tg model, a reduction in the number of principal neurons was only observed at relatively late ages (12-18 months of age). However, the Abeta deposition was an early event (3-4 month of age). Thus, they are now investigating the molecular and cellular mechanisms that determine both late neuronal death and early neuroprotection.