Philanthropy For Basic Science: Alzheimer's Disease

Role of the Multiligand Receptor LRP in Alzheimer's Disease-Related Neuropathogenesis: A Model for Age-Related Disorders Involving LRP

IN SEEKING WAYS to reduce Aβ levels in brain, many researchers are trying to inhibit the secretases that release Aβ from the amyloid protein precursor (APP). An alternative approach involves modulating the main receptor for Aβ on nerve cells in brain, the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP). Dr. Tanzi and others have uncovered evidence that LRP can control both the generation and clearance of Aβ in the brain (including the flushing of Aβ from brain to blood where it can be safely cleared away). He is working to more fully characterize the process by which Aβ is produced in the LRP-mediated pathway in human nerve cells and to explore how LRP mediates the clearance of Aβ from the brain. He will attempt to develop agents that enhance Aβ.