Functional studies on a neuroprotective activity of the amyloid precursor protein of Alzheimer s disease.

阿尔茨海默病是老年人的一大健康问题。随着老龄化人口寿命的延长，这带来了巨大的经济和社会压力。因此，研究阿尔茨海默病的发病机制具有重要的现实意义。在这项研究中，我们试图确定参与疾病过程的蛋白质之间的关系。特别是，我们正在研究淀粉样前体蛋白(APP)。APP既有治疗作用，也有致病作用。它会产生有毒的淀粉样蛋白Abeta，这是疾病的罪魁祸首。然而，APP也可以抑制Abeta毒性，从而控制细胞死亡。我们正在研究APP是如何调节Abeta的神经毒性活动的。这些研究将确定疾病途径的关键方面，并有望导致治疗策略。

Alzheimer's disease is a major health problem of the elderly. With our aging population living longer, this presents enormous economic and social pressures. Research into the mechanism of Alzheimer's disease is therefore of immediate importance. In this study we are trying to determine the relationship between proteins involved in the disease process. In particular we are studying the amyloid precursor protein (APP). APP has both therapeutic as well as disease causing actions. It gives rise to the toxic amyloid peptide Abeta which is responsible for disease. However APP can also inhibit Abeta toxicity thus controlling cell death. We are studying how APP is able to modulate the neurotoxic activity of Abeta. These studies will identify key aspects of the disease pathway and hopefully lead to treatment strategies.