Reconstituting the Human COPII Secretion System
Lead Research Organisation:
Birkbeck, University of London
Department Name: Biological Sciences
Abstract
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a debilitating disease, notably characterised by memory loss associated with neurodegeneration and loss of neuronal connections(1). Characteristic markers of AD are amyloid-B (AB) plaques and neurofibrillary tau tangles- protein aggregates that disrupt healthy brain function.
Using a knock-in mouse model of AD, AppN;-F/ML-F, which exhibits similar disease progression to human AD(2), we experimentally observed an abnormal increase in the electric function of certain neurons in regions of the brain targeted by AD, such as the hippocampus and the entorhinal cortex. These regions are extremely important for long-term memory formation, so any disturbance has immense negative consequences on the patient. Notably, this hyper electrical activity is present in cells which regulate the inhibitory-excitatory synaptic balance. Hence, early hyper-activity results in failure to modulate excitation, leading to chaotic brain circuits that alter brain function negatively.
Using a knock-in mouse model of AD, AppN;-F/ML-F, which exhibits similar disease progression to human AD(2), we experimentally observed an abnormal increase in the electric function of certain neurons in regions of the brain targeted by AD, such as the hippocampus and the entorhinal cortex. These regions are extremely important for long-term memory formation, so any disturbance has immense negative consequences on the patient. Notably, this hyper electrical activity is present in cells which regulate the inhibitory-excitatory synaptic balance. Hence, early hyper-activity results in failure to modulate excitation, leading to chaotic brain circuits that alter brain function negatively.
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MR/N013867/1 | 01/10/2016 | 30/09/2025 | |||
| 1764991 | Studentship | MR/N013867/1 | 01/10/2016 | 30/03/2021 |
| Description | Electron microscopy journal club |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | Postgraduate students of all levels are engaged in an electron microscopy (EM) journal club, focused on the physical and mathematical principles of EM. This event happens once a month, until now there have been three sessions where different seminal works were discussed. This has increased understanding of the complex foundations of the technique we work with or are interested in pursuing. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018,2019 |