Prof. Aleister Saunders, Drexel University

Identification and Characterization of Amyloid Precursor
Protein Metabolism Regulators: Insights from Genetics and Aging

Alzheimer' disease is the most common form of dementia in the United States. With no therapy that treats the underlying cause of the disease, insight into molecular level mechanisms are essential for the development of future therapies. A central event in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis is the metabolism of the amyloid precursor protein, proteolytic cleavage of this protein can lead to the development of the amyloid plaques in AD patients' brains. Therefore a complete understanding of APP metabolism regulation is important. We have developed a RNAi-based genetic screen in human neuroblastoma cells to identify regulators of APP metabolism. We focused our screen on genomic regions implicated to modulate AD risk and on pathways known to modulate aging and
lifespan. Using this approach we have identified novel regulators of APP metabolism and confirmed their role in Drosophila model of AD.

For more information contact Dr. Donald Doyle (404-385-0631).