Neurogranin as a Potential Therapeutic Target for AD
Beta Amyloid-Induced Synaptic Plasticity Imbalance and Neurogranin
Summary
While the application of amyloid beta (a precursor of AD) decreases neurogranin levels and suppresses synaptic transmission, increasing neurogranin in hippocampal neurons was able to reverse the beta amyloid-induced depression in synaptic transmission. We are proposing to understand the mechanism by which neurogranin is capable of such reversal of synaptic function and to explore the possibility that neurogranin may be reversing the synaptic plasticity imbalance. Success of this proposal can open the door for new therapeutic intervention for AD.
Details
Previous studies have found that the Alzheimer's disease beta‐amyloid protein negatively influences brain cells (neurons) and results in a communication breakdown by causing a loss of “plasticity” at the synapses (the place where neurons meet), leading to learning and memory loss. In a previous study, Dr. Nashaat Gerges and colleagues have shown that increasing neurogranin enhances the ability of the synapses to communicate. In this project, they will explore the possibility that neurogranin may reverse the negative effect of beta amyloid on synaptic plasticity. They will use a special technique that grows neurons in a dish, giving easy access for treatments and analysis of results. If successful, this could lead to future therapies for individuals with Alzheimer's disease.
Research Updates
Dr. Gerges’ team has made significant progress toward understanding the mechanism by which neurogranin protein may be playing a role in reversing the negative effects on nerve cells that are caused by toxic beta-amyloid. As a major aim of this proposal, the team first tested the effect of beta-amyloid on a type of synaptic plasticity (the ability of the connections between nerve cells to change their strength) that is involved with learning and memory. Then, they assessed how neurogranin is involved in these changes, both by looking at the electrical signals sent between nerve cells and at the changes in expression of other cell proteins. The team needs to decide whether neurogranin is a candidate for a future Alzheimer’s disease therapy by determining if it can preserve the number of physical connections between nerve cells, thus helping to preserve memory.
About the Researcher
Dr. Nashaat Gerges is an assistant professor in the Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy at the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW). He also holds an associate director position of the newly founded Neuroscience Research Center at MCW. Gerges's laboratory focuses on the cellular and molecular mechanisms of synaptic plasticity. His research team uses multidisciplinary approaches including electrophysiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, confocal and electron microscory imaging, and behavioral techniques to study neuronal plasticity in health and disease.
First published on: July 6, 2011
Last modified on: March 18, 2013