This project is based on the hypothesis that microglia, activated by contact with neuritic and core senile plaques, contribute to the neuronal injury associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD). The investigator's previous work indicated that beta-amyloid peptide 1-42 (Abeta 1-42) found in senile plaques provides a signal to release microglial cytotoxins. A body of evidence now suggests that receptors found on microglial surfaces help to mediate this neurotoxic cascade. The interactions among Abeta 1-42 and microglial membrane sites are the focus of the proposed investigation. Using competition studies coupled neurotoxic assays, they have identified portions of Abeta that bind to microglia during induction of neuron-killing. Some of these peptides will be used as tools to isolate Abeta binding proteins from mononuclear phagocytes and to identify membrane components that mediate Abeta activation of microglia. The investigators have also found that apolipoprotein E (apoE) influences the ability of Abeta to interact with microglia. Another aim of this project will examine the ability of apoE to serve as an immuno-regulator of neurotoxic microglia. Experimental strategies to assess protein-protein interactions will include study of specific Abeta peptide fragments and selective modifications of apoE amino acid residues. Abeta complex formation with microglia is a fundamentally important step that initiates AD immunopathology. Identification of specific microglial membrane proteins which interact with Abeta and the delineation of a role for apoE in this immune cascade offer important insights into immune mechanisms of CNS disease. Successful completion of this project will impact upon the development of drug targets for treatment of AD.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01NS034000-06
Application #
6539819
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-BDCN-4 (01))
Program Officer
Murphy, Diane
Project Start
1996-09-01
Project End
2004-06-30
Budget Start
2002-07-01
Budget End
2004-06-30
Support Year
6
Fiscal Year
2002
Total Cost
$261,625
Indirect Cost
Name
Baylor College of Medicine
Department
Neurology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
074615394
City
Houston
State
TX
Country
United States
Zip Code
77030
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Miller, S L; Daikhin, Y; Yudkoff, M (1996) Metabolism of N-acetyl-L-aspartate in rat brain. Neurochem Res 21:615-8
Yudkoff, M; Daikhin, Y; Grunstein, L et al. (1996) Astrocyte leucine metabolism: significance of branched-chain amino acid transamination. J Neurochem 66:378-85