Scientists identify ERBB4 receptor as potential root of Alzheimer's disease

Researchers at IBS found that the ERBB4 receptor may link neuronal hyperactivity to Alzheimer's pathologies. In mice, disabling Erbb4 in hippocampal excitatory neurons reduced hyperactivity, decreased amyloid plaques, and improved memory; activating the receptor in healthy mice induced disease symptoms. In 446 people, higher ERBB4 expression in neurons correlated with more plaques and worse cognition.

• Disabling Erbb4 in mice reduced neuronal hyperactivity and improved memory
• Activating ERBB4 in healthy mice caused symptoms without amyloid plaques
• In 446 people, higher ERBB4 linked to more plaques and worse cognition
• Key pathway of receptor action is the mTOR signaling cascade