Novel Therapies for Alzheimer's Disease Based on a-Beta - Metal Interactions

Abstract

The genetic data clearly show that the amyloid protein (A-beta) is central to the brain damage which occurs in Alzheimer's disease (AD). However exogenous or environmental factors involved in regulating its toxic actions are not understood. We have shown that the metals zinc and copper have dramatic effects on the properties of A-beta and that chemicals which alter the amounts of these metals in the brain may be useful in treating the disease. In this project we are investigating the ability of one such compound to affect the metabolism of A-beta in a mouse model of AD.