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 onset of Alzheimer’s disease, a condition that affects nearly 7 million Americans aged 65 and older. Alzheimer’s disease gradually impairs thinking and memory abilities and claims more lives than breast and prostate cancer combined.
The study, backed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), focuses on the potential involvement of epitope (Eph) receptors in Alzheimer’s disease. These proteins were initially studied by Professor Bing-Cheng Wang for their role in brain development and cancer. Professor Matthias Buck and his colleagues believe that Eph receptors may play a part in the disintegration of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which is crucial for protecting the brain from damage during strokes and the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease.
The research builds on Buck’s 15 years of studying Eph receptors. Collaborating with Buck’s lab, researchers from Texas Tech University and the University of Tennessee are examining how this protein behaves in living cells using advanced imaging and computational techniques. Additionally, 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 gains momentum. We anticipate this research will result in discoveries that will one day make it possible to treat an illness that impacts millions of people worldwide.”
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.
Brain Proteins -: Brain proteins are special molecules in our brain that help it work properly. They are like tiny machines that do important jobs to keep our brain healthy.
Alzheimer’s Disease -: Alzheimer’s Disease is a sickness that affects the brain, making it hard for people to remember things and think clearly. It’s more common in older people.
Eph receptors -: Eph receptors are a type of brain protein that helps cells in the brain talk to each other. They are like little antennas that receive signals to help the brain work.
NIH -: NIH stands for National Institutes of Health, which is a group in the United States that gives money to help scientists do research to find cures for diseases.
Blood-brain barrier -: The blood-brain barrier is like a special shield that protects the brain from harmful things in the blood. It only lets good things pass through to keep the brain safe.
Texas Tech University -: Texas Tech University is another school in the United States where people study and do research. It’s like a big college similar to Case Western Reserve University.
University of Tennessee -: The University of Tennessee is a school in the United States where people go to learn and do research. It’s another big college like Case Western Reserve University.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center -: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center is a hospital in the United States that helps people with cancer. They also do research to find better ways to treat cancer.
Advanced techniques -: Advanced techniques are special methods or tools that scientists use to study things in a very detailed way. They help researchers learn more about complex subjects like brain proteins.