The AppNL-G-F mouse retina is a site for preclinical Alzheimer's disease diagnosis and research

In this study, we report the results of a comprehensive phenotyping of the retina of the App(NL-G-F) mouse. We demonstrate that soluble A beta accumulation is present in the retina of these mice early in life and progresses to A beta plaque formation by midlife. This rising A beta burden coincides with local microglia reactivity, astrogliosis, and abnormalities in retinal vein morphology. Electrophysiological recordings revealed signs of neuronal dysfunction yet no overt neurodegeneration was observed and visual performance outcomes were unaffected in the App(NL-G-F) mouse. Furthermore, we show that hyperspectral imaging can be used to quantify retinal A beta, underscoring its potential as a biomarker for AD diagnosis and monitoring. These findings suggest that the App(NL-G-F) retina mimics the early, preclinical stages of AD, and, together with retinal imaging techniques, offers unique opportunities for drug discovery and fundamental research into preclinical AD.

Automated summary

The study found that soluble A beta accumulation in the retina of App(NL-G-F) mice early in life progress to A beta plaque formation by midlife, accompanied by local microglia reactivity, astrogliosis, and abnormalities in retinal vein morphology. Although signs of neuronal dysfunction were observed, no overt neurodegeneration was apparent, and visual performance outcomes remained unaffected. Hyperspectral imaging was shown to potentially serve as a biomarker for Alzheimer's disease (AD) diagnosis and monitoring, with the App(NL-G-F) retina mirroring early preclinical stages of AD.