The Amyloid-beta Pathway in Alzheimer's Disease

Abstract

Breakthroughs in molecular medicine have positioned the amyloid-beta (A beta) pathway at the center of Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathophysiology. While the detailed molecular mechanisms of the pathway and the spatial-temporal dynamics leading to synaptic failure, neurodegeneration, and clinical onset are still under intense investigation, the established biochemical alterations of the A beta cycle remain the core biological hallmark of AD and are promising targets for the development of disease-modifying therapies. Here, we systematically review and update the vast state-of-the-art literature of A beta science with evidence from basic research studies to human genetic and multi-modal biomarker investigations, which supports a crucial role of A beta pathway dyshomeostasis in AD pathophysiological dynamics. We discuss the evidence highlighting a differentiated interaction of distinct A beta species with other AD-related biological mechanisms, such as tau-mediated, neuroimmune and inflammatory changes, as well as a neurochemical imbalance. Through the lens of the latest development of multimodal in vivo biomarkers of AD, this cross-disciplinary review examines the compelling hypothesis- and data-driven rationale for A beta-targeting therapeutic strategies in development for the early treatment of AD.