Medizinische Universität Graz Austria/Österreich - Forschungsportal - Medical University of Graz

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Abstract: The deposition of amyloid beta peptide (ABeta) in amyloid plaques is among the defining features of Alzheimer's Disease. Accumulation of Aâ may occur as a consequence of enhanced production or altered catabolism of ABeta. Recently, significant progress has been achieved regarding the determination of the mechnisms leading to the generation of ABeta. In contrast, virtually no information has been available as to whether and how ABeta is cleared by cells. We have shown that ABeta peptides are ligands of the LDL receptor-related protein (LRP) and/or heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPG), both of which are also involved in the clearance of apolipoprotein E, a major cholesterol transportin protein in the central nervous system. Prolonged exposure of ABeta to apo E containing lipoproteins leads to the formation of ABeta/lipoprotein complexes. These complexes are avidly internalised by cells, but ar resistant to lysosomal degradation. HSPGs seem to be involved in this process. It will be the specific aims of the proposed project a) to identify the cellular mechanism responsible for ABeta internalisation, b) to elucidate the roles of proteoglycans and of LRP in the uptake of AB and c) to follow the subcellular trafficking of ABeta internalised by these cell surface molecules.

Beteiligte MUG-Organisationseinheiten: Abteilung Zentrum für Medizinische Forschung (ZMF); Klinisches Institut für Medizinische und Chemische Labordiagnostik

Gefördert durch: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, Kennedyallee 40, D-53175 Bonn, Deutschland