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Grants > Copper/Cholesterol Interaction in Alzheimer's Disease Updated On: Jan. 19, 2025
Alzheimer's Disease Research Grant

Copper/Cholesterol Interaction in Alzheimer's Disease

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Principal Investigator

Ashley Bush, MD, PhD

Mental Health Research Institute

Parkville, Victoria, Australia

About the Research Project

Program

Alzheimer's Disease Research

Award Type

Standard

Award Amount

$300,000

Active Dates

April 01, 2005 - March 31, 2007

Grant ID

A2005091

Summary

In Alzheimer’s disease a normal protein called beta-amyloid (Aβ) has been found to accumulate abnormally in the brain. AD has also been associated with abnormalities in cholesterol metabolism. Both links, however, are complex and the results of their specific effects have not yet been pin-pointed. Dr. Bush’s team has discovered Aβ to be a copper binding protein. Copper (like cholesterol) is a normally abundant part of brain chemistry, but in AD Aβ abnormally utilizes copper’s chemical energy to convert cholesterol into hydrogen peroxide. This is a damaging reaction that may be the cause of the toxicity of Aβ. Through a five part research analysis, Dr. Bush’s studies will help illuminate the complex biochemistry of Aβ in its reactions with copper and cholesterol in the brain.