PICALM - Investigating a new gene for Alzheimer's

Lead Investigator: Dr Shabnam Baig
Institution: University of Bristol
Grant Type: Credit Suisse Fellowship
Duration: 3 years
Amount funded: £176,657
Scientific Title: The role of picalm in amyloid-beta clearance

What do we already know?

An important cellular process is endocytosis, the system by which proteins gain entry into cells. Endocytosis is essential for cells to functions normally and it is likely to be important in the removal of the toxic amyloid-beta protein from the brain.

Previous research has shown that a protein called PICALM, which is involved in endocytosis, is increased in people with Alzheimer's disease. The gene for PICALM was recently identified as a risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer's disease.

What does this project involve?

Dr Baig will investigate how PICALM affects the amount of amyloid-beta found in blood vessels in the brain and the surrounding brain tissue.

She will measure the amount of PICALM and amyloid-beta in cells taken from blood vessels and grown in the laboratory. Dr Baig will also compare levels of these proteins in brain tissue from people with and without Alzheimer's disease.

How will this benefit people with dementia?

This work will help us understand more about how amyloid-beta is removed from the brain. It will also determine whether PICALM plays an active role in this process.

Depending on the outcome, this research could identify exciting new targets for drug treatments in the future.