The Role of NgR2 in Pathogenesis of Alzheimer's Disease

Project Summary

are viewed by most as a pleasant period of life, free from many of the compulsory activities of earlier years; an interval between the stresses of occupation and child-rearing, and the eventual debilitating effects of extreme old age. Unfortunately in today's environment, at least 10% of people in this age group are vulnerable to the onset of the Alzheimer's disease (AD) that impairs the quality life of our senior citizens. The etiology of AD is still unclear, and many factors appear to affect AD pathogenesis. Hence, it is imperative that every approach be considered in the effort to stem this disease. Neuritic plaques (or called senile plaques) and neurofibrillary tangles are two well known pathological features in patients' brains. Neuritic plaques that are predominantly seen in brains of Alzheimer's patients are due to the presence of amyloid depositions surrounded by dystrophic neuritis, reactive astrocytes and activated microglia. In this proposal, we propose to study a molecule called Nogo Receptor 2 (NgR2) and its role in the formation of neuritic plaques. The information gained from this study will be used for developing therapeutic agents to prevent and/or treat Alzheimer's patients.