Calcium Dyshomeostasis Induced by Presenilin Mutations

It is known that changes in intracellular calcium cause neuronal cell death and increase the production of beta amyloid, the protein that accumulates to form brain plaques. Dr. Laferla has found that mutations in Presenilin 1 and 2 that cause the early onset of AD also cause changes in intracellular calcium. He is now examining the possible role of the presenilin genes in regulating calcium levels. Utilizing a variety of methodologies and experimental systems for this work, he hopes to increase our understanding of the function of presenilin and its role in AD.