Principal Investigators

    Bruce Wong

    Institution

    The Florey Institute of Neuroscience & Mental Health

    Contact information of lead PI

    Country

    Australia

    Title of project or programme

    The inflammatory mediator Lactorferrin induces rapid and pronounced amyloidogenic processing of APP

    Source of funding information

    Alzheimer's Australia Dementia Research Foundation

    Total sum awarded (Euro)

    € 34,196

    Start date of award

    01/01/2015

    Total duration of award in years

    1

    Keywords

    Research Abstract

    The balance of iron and response to inflammation (e.g. through infection) in the cell are closely linked and has previously been implicated in Alzheimer’s disease. Lactoferrin, an iron transport protein produced in conditions such as increased inflammation was recently discovered by Dr Wong to also bind Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP). The binding of lactoferrin to APP promotes the production of ?-amyloid; the main peptide found in senile plaques within the brains of Alzheimer’s disease patients. At first this interaction may be a way of protecting the body by temporarily locking the iron safely within the cell and out of harm’s way, however, more persistent presence of lactoferrin could lead to greater ?-amyloid levels which is known to cause neuronal death in Alzheimer’s disease. By investigating the ability of lactoferin binding to APP, Dr Wong hopes to understand the significance of this interaction and identify a potential new drug target.

    Further information available at:

    https://www.dementiaresearchfoundation.org.au/researchers/bruce-wong

Types: Investments < €500k
Member States: Australia
Diseases: N/A
Years: 2016
Database Categories: N/A
Database Tags: N/A

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