Agustin Yip, M.D., Ph.D.
Boston University School of Medicine
Boston, Massachusetts

2003 New Investigator Research Grant

A growing body of epidemiological, clinical, and pathological evidence suggests that vascular factors play an important role in Alzheimer’s disease. Genetic factors provide one part of this evidence. APOE-e4, the first known risk gene for late-onset Alzheimer’s, is one form of the gene providing the blueprint for apolipoprotein E, a protein that transports cholesterol in the brain. Another gene that may be implicated in Alzheimer’s codes production of angiotensin-1 converting enzyme, a protein that plays a key role in the function of the heart and blood vessels.

Scientists have not yet determined the specific mechanisms that link either of these genes to the pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease. The investigators in this project aim to learn how various forms of these genes correlate with Alzheimer pathology by analyzing postmortem brain tissue from a large number of individuals with confirmed Alzheimer’s disease. If appropriate, the researchers will define subtypes of Alzheimer’s disease based on the pathological profiles. Results of this study may generate ideas warranting further study and collaboration with other research teams.