Adult human epidermal melanocytes for neurodegeneration research
Papageorgiou, Nikolaos Carpenter, Elizabeth Scally, Andy J. Tobin, Desmond J.
Papageorgiou, Nikolaos
Carpenter, Elizabeth
Scally, Andy J.
Tobin, Desmond J.
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2008
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Abstract
Neuronal models for Alzheimer's disease research frequently have limitations as a result of their nonhuman origin and/or transformed state. Here we examined the potential of readily accessible neural crest-derived human epidermal melanocytes isolated from elderly individuals as a model system for Alzheimer's disease research. The amyloidogenic isoforms of amyloid precursor protein (APP; isoforms APP751/770) and amyloid beta (A¿)1¿40 were detected in epidermal melanocytes using immunocytochemistry and western blotting. Incubation of epidermal melanocytes with aggregated A¿1¿40 peptide caused a concentration-dependent reduction in cell viability, whereas age-matched dermal fibroblasts remained unaffected. These findings suggest that epidermal melanocytes from elderly donors are capable of amyloidogenesis and are sensitive to A¿1¿40 cytotoxicity. Thus, these cells may provide a readily accessible human cell model for Alzheimer's disease research.
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Papageorgiou N, Carpenter E, Scally AJ et al (2008) Adult human epidermal melanocytes for neurodegeneration research. Neuroreport. 19(18): 1787-1791.
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