3D correlative nano-imaging to assess the role of metals in AD neurotoxicity and in the mechanism of a mesenchymal stem cells-based therapy

It is increasingly recognized that the onset and the development of Alzheimer disease (AD) is triggered by metal neurotoxicity. However, the role and the molecular mechanism of metals and the relation with the Aβ, the main AD plaque components considered as the culprit of the neuropathological process, is still not well understood. In this framework we will correlate X-ray holo-nano-tomography (XHNT) and 3D-cryo-XRF imaging of metals in AD-mice model treated with a mesenchymal stem cells (MSC)-based therapy, which already demonstrated to induce memory recovery. The comparison between control mice, AD-mice model treated or not, will contribute to a better understanding of neurotoxicity in AD and to the potential strategy of prevention and recovery.