ARUK 2021 | The challenges of Alzheimer’s disease animal models and the use of human stem cells

Bryan Ng, PhD Student, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK, discusses the challenges of using in vivo models to study Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and explains how the alternative use of human stem cells can be a promising strategy. To develop an in vivo model of AD is necessary to artificially introduce several mutations in mice since the disease does not occur naturally in these animals. Aiming for a more representative model, the use of human stem cells is suggested. These cells, derived from patients, can be used to model the clinic outcomes specific to the patient, according to the presence or absence of AD mutations. This interview took place during the Alzheimer’s Research UK (ARUK) Conference 2021.