Alzheimer's disease is associated with two main types of abnormalities in the brain, plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. Our lab, like most labs trying to develop new treatments for Alzheimer's disease, has focused on the plaques up to this point. Based on a number of recently completed studies, we are proposing to shift our focus to the neurofibrillary tangles. Based on preliminary evidence that brain levels of copper affect the development of neurofibrillary tangles, the hypothesis is specifically focused on the relationship between copper and tangles. OBJECTIVES: 1) We will determine if copper can act directly on the precursor of the tangle, a brain protein named tau. 2) We will determine if the individuals baseline level of copper affects their ability to respond to the treatment, 3) we will determine if copper has an effect on the type of tau associated with sporadic Alzheimer's disease or the type of tau associated with some forms of hereditary frontotemporal dementia. 4) we will determine if a treatment which prevents protein misfolding can be used to enhance the effects of copper modulating therapy. PLAN: Experiments will be conducted in mice which are genetically engineered to express aspects of Alzheimer's pathology. Mice will be given treatments that raise or lower brain copper levels, and the effects on tangle pathology and memory function will be measured. METHODS: Standardized tests of mouse behavior, brain concentrations of disease- associated proteins, tests of cognitive function. FINDINGS TO DATE: Copper seems to increase tau phosphorylation and worsen memory in mice with neurofibrillary tangles. CLINICAL

Public Health Relevance

These experiments are designed to lead to clinical trials of copper-lowering treatment for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.

Public Health Relevance

TO THE VA'S MISSION: Development of safe, effective therapies for Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal dementia is within the VA mission. Since neurofibrillary tangles are also seen in traumatic brain injury (TBI), this work may have additional relevance to the VA mission.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
Veterans Affairs (VA)
Type
Non-HHS Research Projects (I01)
Project #
5I01BX002113-03
Application #
8974327
Study Section
Neurobiology D (NURD)
Project Start
2014-04-01
Project End
2018-03-31
Budget Start
2016-04-01
Budget End
2017-03-31
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2016
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Portland VA Medical Center
Department
Type
DUNS #
089461255
City
Portland
State
OR
Country
United States
Zip Code
97239
Voss, Kellen; Harris, Christopher; Ralle, Martina et al. (2014) Modulation of tau phosphorylation by environmental copper. Transl Neurodegener 3:24