We have recently constructed a cDNA library from the brain mRNAs of animals infected with the scrapie agent. Using differential screening and in situ hybridization we have found a cDNA clone to a gene whose expression increases in scrapie. This cloned DNA probe binds to cells in the brains of infected animals, to the senile plaques in Alzheimer's dementia (AD), and to cells in the brain tissues from elderly patients. We propose to continue the analysis of this clone and others in the library in order to gain insight into the nature of the scrapie agent and the origins of pathological alterations in the aging brain that occur in scrapie and AD. We also plan a more direct approach in the pathology of AD using the same strategy of differential screening of a library from the mRNAs of AD, to find genes whose ativity is increased in the aging brain and genes which by in situ hybridization have the appropriate tissue and cellular localization to suggestive involvement in the pathological process.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01NS023446-04
Application #
3406944
Study Section
Virology Study Section (VR)
Project Start
1986-12-01
Project End
1991-11-30
Budget Start
1989-12-01
Budget End
1990-11-30
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
1990
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Department
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
168559177
City
Minneapolis
State
MN
Country
United States
Zip Code
55455