Neurodegeneration

Overview

In neurodegenerative conditions, neuronal components and brain function are progressively lost. A spectrum of genes has been implicated in these diseases, but mechanistic understanding remains sparse. We have focused on the pathophysiology of Aß in Alzheimer's disease, and Progranulin in frontotemporal dementia. In both cases, interaction of extracellular disease-associated ligands with the specific receptors on the neuronal surface is crucial, but had not been defined.

Alzheimer's Disease

Transgenic Mouse Brain

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of age-related dementia, affecting more than 25 million people worldwide. The accumulation of insoluble ß-amyloid (Aß) plaques in the brain has long been considered central to the pathogenesis of AD (green in panel to the left). However, recent evidence suggests that soluble oligomeric assemblies of Aß may be of greater importance. APP processing yields Aß monomers, which undergo oligomerization, eventually forming amyloid fibrils and plaques. Aß oligomers have been found to be potent synaptotoxins, but the mechanism by which they exert their action had remained elusive. We recently found that cellular prion protein (PrP-C) is a high-affinity receptor for Aß oligomers, mediating their toxic effects on synaptic plasticity.

Alzheimer's Disease Model

We hypothesize that the Aß/PrP-C interaction leads to dendritic spine retraction via synaptotoxic action, with subsequent neuritic dystrophy and neurodegenerative pathology. These later steps are then coupled to tauopathy and memory impairment in AD. We are employing biochemical analysis, in vivo imaging of dendrites, genetic investigation and behavioral studies to test this hypothesis. With PrP-C as a molecular target, we have launched a drug discovery program for novel AD therapeutics.

Frontotemporal Dementia

Haploinsuffiency of Progranulin is the most common etiology of inherited frontotemporal dementia (FTD) cases. TDP-43 deposition occurs in Progranulin-deficient FTD, as well as in sporadic FTD cases and in ALS. Since Progranulin is a secreted glycoprotein, we searched for high affinity receptors by expression cloning, and idenitifed Sortilin. We are now characterizing the role of PGRN/Sort1 interactions in FTD. These studies may provide an accessible cell surface approach to modify FTD and ALS progression.

The PGRN/Sort1 pathway is modified genetically by a lysosomal/endosomal protein, TMEM106B, in humans. We are studying the molecular mechanism of this regulation in cell lines and in mice.