Polymerization of the microtubule-associated protein tau is responsible for the neurofibrillary pathology observed in Alzheimer's disease. This is a prevalent illness which causes dementia and death in the elderly. Attempts to understand the etiology of tau polymerization , and the subsequent impact of tau polymers on neuronal function have been limited by a paucity of suitable model systems. The goal of this research is to produce a cell culture system in which tau pathology can be selectively induced. Evidence indicates that tau polymers possess an ordered substructure which would necessarily result from the ordered structure of their constituent proteins. Amino acid sequences predicted to be involved in folding events associated with tau polymerization will be systematically altered by site directed mutagenesis, and he resultant proteins will be assayed for their ability to assemble. Tau sequences coding for proteins that demonstrate an increased potential for polymerization will be inserted into a.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Type
Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F32)
Project #
1F32NS010590-01
Application #
2523246
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-NLS-3 (01))
Project Start
1998-03-01
Project End
Budget Start
1998-01-01
Budget End
1998-12-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
1997
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Department
Type
DUNS #
076593722
City
Boston
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02215