To develop effective treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, it is crucial to understand the onset and progression of the diseases. Research models used are often based on induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and are widely used to mimic disease development in vitro. iPSCs are derived from patients' somatic cells and then differentiated into neurons to serve as a cellular models for studying the disease. These cellular models are suitable for identifying mutations that either cause the disease or influence its course. In Alzheimer's disease, mutations in the PSEN1 and PSEN2 genes have been associated with the disease, while in Parkinson's disease, mutations in SNCA, LRRK2, PINK1, and Parkin have been proposed as the most promising candidate genes. To mimic disease progression, 3D cellular models are being adopted, while environmental influences and aging are simulated primarily using reactive oxygen species. However, the challenge of replicating aging and environmental effects in cultures has yet to be fully addressed.
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