Discussion
APP ASOs effectively reduce APP levels and improve mitochondrial health in astrocytes, suggesting their potential as a therapeutic approach for DS and DS-related AD. Further in vivo studies are required to confirm these findings. Highlights: APP ASOs reduce APP levels in human iPSC-derived astrocytes. APP ASO treatment rescues mitochondrial phenotypes in trisomy 21 astrocytes. This study supports ASOs as a potential therapy for Down syndrome-related Alzheimer's disease.
Methods
Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) from a healthy individual and an individual with DS were differentiated into astrocytes. Astrocytes were treated with APP ASOs for 10 days, and APP levels were quantified. Mitochondrial morphology and superoxide production in DS astrocytes were analyzed using super-resolution and confocal microscopy.
Results
APP ASOs significantly reduced APP levels in astrocytes from both control and DS individuals. In DS astrocytes, treatment restored mitochondrial health, increasing mitochondrial number and size while reducing superoxide production.