Dr John Boyle
University of Leeds
United Kingdom
Hydrogen sulphide-mediated sulfhydration of the K+ channel Kv2.1: A new signalling pathway to target in the treatment of Alzheimers disease.
Alzheimer's Society
313,708
01/09/2014
3
Oxidative damage of lipids and proteins is a hallmark feature of the early stages of Alzheimers disease (AD). One key protein known to undergo oxidation is the K+ channel Kv2.1, resulting in increased vulnerability to apoptosis. We have discovered that hydrogen sulfide (H2S), now accepted as a biological signalling molecule of widespread importance, directly modulates Kv2.1 activity and protects against apoptosis. In this study, we will establish the neuroprotective effects of H2S – acting via modulation of Kv2.1 against the oxidative stress of AD. Our results will determine whether H2S has potential as a novel therapeutic approach to the treatment of AD, as it is for several other disorders.