title: Alzheimer amyloid beta peptides: expression, interaction with metal ions and the effects of metals on their aggregation.
reg no: ETF6840
project type: Estonian Science Foundation research grant
subject: 1.7. Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry
2.7. Biotechnology, Food and Drink Technology
status: accepted
institution: TTU Faculty of Science
head of project: Vello Tõugu
duration: 01.01.2006 - 31.12.2009
description: Alzheimer disease (AD) is a common and complex neurodegenerative disease that is estimated to affect approximately 15 million people worldwide. According to the widely accepted Amyloid Cascade Hypothesis the primary event of the disease progress is the formation of extracellural neurotoxic amyloid plaques, consisting mainly of 40 or 42 residue amyloid beta peptide (Abeta), in the brain. Zinc, copper and iron are involved in this process, since they enhance the Abeta aggregation and are incorporated into amyloid plaques. Electrochemically active bound copper and iron cause oxidative stress and contribute to the toxicity of amyloid plaques. The project is focused towards elaboration of effective methodology for expression of recombinant Abeta(1-42 and 1-40) peptides and studies of the interactions of Abeta peptides with metal ions. The thermodynamics of the interactions of metals with various forms on Abeta as well as to the effect of metal ions on the process of Abeta aggregation will be studied. The result will help to reconstitute biomimetic amyloid plaques necessary for elaboration of an in vitro screening test for AD drugs.

project group
no name institution position  
1.Jekaterina Kazantseva 
2.Peep Palumaa 
3.Julia Smirnova 
4.Vello TõuguTallinna Tehnikaülikooli Matemaatika-loodusteaduskond