Case Western Reserve University Explores Brain Proteins in Alzheimer’s Disease
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University are investigating the role of specific brain proteins in the development of Alzheimer’s disease, a condition that affects nearly 7 million Americans aged 65 and older. Alzheimer’s disease gradually impairs thinking and memory and is more deadly than breast and prostate cancer combined.
Previous studies suggest that Alzheimer’s may begin when the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which protects the brain, weakens. This weakening allows harmful substances to enter the brain, potentially leading to the disease. The new study, supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), will focus on the role of epitope (Eph) receptors in Alzheimer’s. These proteins, initially studied by Professor Bing-Cheng Wang for their role in brain development and cancer, mediate cell-to-cell interactions.
Professor Matthias Buck and his team at Case Western Reserve’s School of Medicine believe these proteins may contribute to the BBB’s breakdown, which is crucial for brain protection during strokes and early Alzheimer’s stages. The study builds on Buck’s 15 years of research on Eph receptors.
Collaborating with Buck’s lab, researchers from Texas Tech University and the University of Tennessee will study the protein’s behavior in living cells using advanced imaging and computational techniques. Scientists at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center are using crystallography to understand the protein’s structure.
Professor Buck stated, “Alzheimer’s is very complex, which is why this project requires a collaboration of special skills. We plan to enlist more local and national partners as this research progresses, hoping to make discoveries that could lead to treatments for this widespread illness.”
Doubts Revealed
Case Western Reserve University -: Case Western Reserve University is a school in the United States where people go to learn and do research. It’s like a big college where smart people study different subjects.
Alzheimer’s Disease -: Alzheimer’s Disease is a sickness that affects the brain, mostly in older people. It makes it hard for them to remember things and do everyday activities.
NIH -: NIH stands for National Institutes of Health. It’s a part of the US government that helps pay for research to learn more about diseases and how to treat them.
Epitope (Eph) receptors -: Epitope (Eph) receptors are special proteins in the brain. Scientists think they might be involved in Alzheimer’s Disease by affecting how the brain protects itself.
Blood-brain barrier -: The blood-brain barrier is like a shield that keeps harmful things in the blood from getting into the brain. If it gets weak, bad stuff can enter the brain and cause problems.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center -: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center is a hospital in the US that is famous for treating cancer. They also do research to find new ways to help people with different diseases.
