Elucidating the role of mitochondrial Alzheimer’s Disease risk gene LACTB in myeloid cells

LACTB potentially modulates myeloid cell function by modifying protein synthesis and lipid metabolism. Future directions include a novel xenotransplantation model involving the direct introduction of human microglia precursor cells into the mouse brain to study the effects of LACTB on microglia in-vivo and in the context of disease using 5xFAD mice. The distinct identity of LACTB as an enzyme, coupled with its protective phenotype upon reduced expression and the potential of succinyl carnitine as a biomarker, makes it a promising therapeutic target in AD.