Research situation on the role of glycogen synthase kinase-3β in the pathogenesis and treatment of Alzheimer′s disease

Alzheimer disease (AD) is the most common age-related senile dementia. Senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles are two histopathological hallmarks of this disease. Glycogen synthase kinase-3β(GSK-3β) is a key enzyme in glycogen synthesis. The dysregulation of this kinase contributes to many disorders in neurophysiology, especially the formation of senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. In this review, we conclude the effects of GSK-3β on the development of AD and the current studies of GSK-3β inhibitors in the treatment of AD. Key words: Glycogen synthase kinase-3; Alzheimer disease; Glycogen synthase kinase-3β inhibitors