Comprehensive Study for the Development of Disease-modifying Therapies for Alzheimer's Disease

Research Project Outline

The present research project aims at elucidating the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD) focusing on the production, aggregation and clearance of amyloid beta peptide (Abeta), the latter being the pathogenic protein in AD, thereby developing novel therapeutic strategies for AD. Gammasecretase responsible for Abeta production, synaptic and dendritic failures as consequences of Abeta toxicity, and enhancement of Abeta export from brain, are the major targets to be tested. Furthermore, we will identify biomarkers that represent early AD changes by careful comparison of model animals and humans, thereby facilitating the clinical application of novel therapies.