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Alzheimer's Disease Research - Current Award

Dr. Jiaqi Yao

Jiaqi Yao, M.D., Ph.D.

Weill Medical College of Cornell University
New York, NY

Title: The Role Of Actin Cytoskeletal Pathology In Alzheimer's Disease
Non-Technical Title: Abnormal Changes Of The Actin Cytoskeleton Play Crucial Roles In Alzheimer's Disease

Mentor:
M. Flint Beal, M.D.
Joan and Sanford I. Weill Medical College of Cornell University

Duration: April 1, 2009 - March 31, 2011
Award Type: Research Fellowship
Award Amount: $100,000


Summary:

To investigate mechanisms and consequences of abnormal alterations of the actin cytoskeleton, which may play critical roles in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) causes and development. The proposed project focuses on a field that is largely unknown and will help us to understand the pathological development of AD from a fresh point of view.

Details:

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by cognitive impairment. We propose to investigate the role of abnormalities in actin, a major structural protein in neurons, in the disease. Abnormal rod-like accumulations of actin can be seen in neurons in Alzheimer's disease brains. We will examine potential mechanisms that cause these rods to form and follow consequences of their formation. This area has not previously received significant attention, and these studies should provide a fresh point of view and new therapeutic targets.

1. We will test the mechanisms inducing abnormal changes of the actin cytoskeleton.

2. We will examine the significant consequences of the actin pathology.