Application of induced pluripotent stem cells in Alzheimer's disease and Huntington's disease

Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by the progressive loss of neurons or their myelin sheaths, leading to dysfunction and worsening over time. In Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Huntington's disease (HD), certain specific types of neurons are symmetrically lost in the patient's brain, and these specific neuron losses cause motor, sensory, or conscious disorders of the patient. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are multipotent stem cells obtained through reprogramming of somatic cells. The iPSC of patient origin carries disease-related genetic and epigenetic information, and its differentiation process can reflect the development of the disease to a certain extent. This makes iPSCs an ideal tool for building a variety of disease models, including AD and HD, offering valuable insights into disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic strategies. Since most AD and HD still lack effective treatment methods, clarifying the possible pathogenesis of AD and HD will become a prerequisite and foundation for effective prevention and development of the disease and finding effective treatment methods, which is of great theoretical and practical significance for improving the quality of life and longevity of the elderly.