Extending genetic risk for Alzheimer's disease from host to holobiont

The gut microbiota is implicated in risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD). A study in Science reports that depleting gut bacteria in mice with genetic risk for AD reduces neuropathology in a sex-dependent manner. This is reversed by administering short-chain fatty acids, suggesting that specific bacterial metabolites increase susceptibility to AD.

Automated summary

A study in Science shows that reducing gut bacteria in mice with genetic risk for AD can reduce neuropathology, but this effect is sex-dependent. This effect can be reversed by administering short-chain fatty acids, suggesting that specific bacterial metabolites increase susceptibility to AD.