Alteration of brain aerobic glycolysis is often observed early in the course of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Whether and how such metabolic dysregulation contributes to both synaptic plasticity and behavioral deficits in AD is not known. Here, we show that the astrocytic L-serine biosynthesis pathway, which branches from glycolysis, is impaired in young AD mice and in AD patients. L-serine is the precursor of D-serine, a co-agonist of synaptic NMDA receptors (NMDARs) required for synaptic plasticity. Accordingly, AD mice display a lower occupancy of the NMDAR co-agonist site as well as synaptic and behavioral deficits. Similar deficits are observed following inactivation of the L-serine synthetic pathway in hippocampal astrocytes, supporting the key role of astrocytic L-serine. Supplementation with L-serine in the diet prevents both synaptic and behavioral deficits in 3xTg-AD mice. Our findings reveal that astrocytic glycolysis controls cognitive functions and suggest oral L-serine as a ready-to-use therapy for AD.

A new sample treatment approach for sensitive determination of three amyloid-β peptides (Aβ 1-42, Aβ 1-40 and Aβ 1-38) with capillary electrophoresis coupled with laser induced fluorescent detection is reported herein. These Aβ peptides are considered an important family of biomarkers in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Due to their extremely low abundance in CSF (down to sub nM ranges), batch-wise preconcentration via magneto-immunocapture with enrichment factors up to 100 was implemented. The Aβ peptides were first captured onto magnetic micro-beads. Then, on-beads fluorescent labeling of the captured Aβ peptides were carried out to avoid the unwanted presence of extra fluorescent dye in the eluent as in the case of in-solution labeling. Finally thermal elution was performed and eluted labeled peptides were analyzed off line with CE-LIF. The Aβ-capturing efficiencies of different commercially available antibodies grafted onto magnetic beads were tested. Aβ peptides in CSF samples collected from AD's patients and healthy persons (used as controls) were measured and evaluated. As a proof of concept, the developed strategy was adapted into a miniaturized fluidized bed configuration that has the potential for coupling with a microchip separation system.