Vera A. Golovina, Ph.D.
University of Maryland
Baltimore, Maryland

2003 Investigator-Initiated Research Grant

Mutations in three different genes are known to cause familial, early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, a rare form of the disease that usually affects middle-aged people. Two of these genes are known as the presenilin genes, PS1 and PS2. Research has shown that PS1 and PS2 mutations may be associated with the inappropriate regulation and storage of calcium in cells. Other studies have shown that dysregulation of calcium may be implicated in both normal aging of the brain and Alzheimer’s disease.

This research group is investigating whether presenilin gene mutations cause poor regulation and storage of calcium in brain cells called astrocytes. These cells have a number of functions in the brain to support neurons, the cells that actually send messages. Among the tasks of astrocytes is modulating the concentration of chemicals needed for proper neuron function.

The researchers will use cells from a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease to characterize the impact of mutations in presenilin genes and one other gene related to calcium regulation. The outcome of this research may provide insight into core biological factors in Alzheimer pathology.