Biology Project Abstract
CELL APOPTOSIS AND TANGLE FORMATION IN ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE
Presenter:
Tim T. Wang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 West Sullivan Road, 2681, Aurora, IL, 60506; timmanpl@imsa.edu
Mentor:
Dr. Lester I. Binder, Northwestern University, Medical School ,303 E. Chicago Ave. Tarry 8-733, Chicago, IL, 60611; 312-503-0823; 312-503-7912; l-binder@nwu.edu
Abstract:
One of the paramount pathological indicators of Alzheimer’s Disease is the presence of neurofibrillary tangles. There is also an increase in cell death and it has been suggested that apoptosis is a means by which these cells are lost. However, the relationship between apoptosis and tangle formation is not readily apparent. This study examined the relationship of Tdt-mediated UTP nick-end Labeling (TUNEL) positive nuclei and neurofibrillary tangles. The study found that apoptosis does not occur in neurons; rather, the apoptotic distribution indicates that its preponderance occurs primarily in glial cells, specifically oligodendrocytes. In spite of this finding, the number of TUNEL positive nuclei increased with tangle severity, indicating that the two processes may be related. Therefore, the destruction of glia in the brain may weaken the glial network, thereby undermining the functionality of neurons and acting as a precursor to tangle formation.