Computation of brain neurodegeneration in the Alzheimer's fly

Expression of human Aβ42 peptide in the Drosophila brain induces pathological phenotypes resembling Alzheimer's disease (PNAS 101, 6623-6628). Three-dimensional confocal imaging reveals extensive vacuoles caused by neurodegeneration in the brain of aged but not young Aβ42 flies. Here, we report a three-dimensional computation algorism allowing semi-automatic measurement of numbers and volumes of brain vacuoles. The method employed matched filters, α-shape, and the active-contour techniques. Using this method, a good result depicting the contours of the vacuoles can be obtained. A more accurate algorithm is still under development. Accurate evaluation of brain pathology in Alzheimer's flies may facilitate the understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying Aβ toxicity and the discovery of novel therapeutic targets for Alzheimer's disease.