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Could repairing nerve cell communication be an effective treatment for Alzheimer’s?
Samuel Sathyanesan, Ph.D.
University of South Dakota
Vermillion, SD - United States
Background
Two of the hallmark brain changes in Alzheimer’s are the accumulation of beta-amyloid and tau, which form plaques and tangles respectively. Additionally, one of the early brain changes in Alzheimer’s is damage to small and specialized structures called synapses which nerve cells use to communicate with other nerve cells. Studies have shown that maintaining these synapses could be important for preventing cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s. Dr. Samuel Sathyanesan and colleagues propose a study that will test how a laboratory-made compound, Enrec1, may protect synapses and prevent cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s.
Research Plan
Dr. Sathyanesan and team will test the ability of Enrec1 to prevent cognitive decline in genetically engineered Alzheimer’s-like mice. First, the team will administer Enrec1 to mice and measure how much of the compound gets into the brain. They will also examine how Enrec1 changes, or turns “on” or “off”, specific genes in the brain related to cognitive function. Next, they will perform behavioral assessments in the mice treated with Enrec1 to study how the compound impacts cognitive decline. Lastly, the researchers will examine the mechanisms by which Enrec1 impacts synapse function and cognition in mice.
Impact
If successful, the results of this study may improve our understanding of the role of synapse function in Alzheimer’s and could lead to the development of novel treatment options for individuals with Alzheimer’s.
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