To this aim, we examined the expression profile of PROK2, PKR1 and PKR2 at basal conditions and after Aβ insult in vitro, in primary cortical cultures, and in vivo, in a non-transgenic rat model of AD obtained by intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.)injection of Aβ. The gene discussed is PROK2; the disease is Alzheimer disease.