SIR Chemistry Investigation Abstract
INVESTIGATING THE CAUSE OF ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE THROUGH AMYLOID-BETA PEPTIDE INSERTION INTO LIPID MONOLAYERS
Presenter:
Stephanie Chang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisors:
Dr. Eva Chi, University of Chicago
Dr. Ka Yee C. Lee, University of Chicago
Abstract:
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative condition characterized by the deposition of neurofibrillary tangles and amyloid-beta (Aß) plaques in the brain. The association between the peptide Aß and neuronal cell death observed in AD is not well understood. Previous studies suggest that oligomeric Aß has greater neurotoxicity than either the monomeric form (seen in healthy brains) or the completely misfolded and aggregated form (observed in Aß plaques).
Our research took a biophysical approach toward the investigation of this phenomenon. We hypothesize that amyloid-beta exerts neurotoxicity primarily through its adsorption onto, incorporation into, and disruption of cell membranes. Using a sensitive device called a Langmuir trough, we formed a model cell membrane composed of the phospholipid dimyristoyl phosphatidylcholine (DMPC). Our research documented Aß insertion of different association states into this lipid monolayer. Although preliminary results are inconclusive, completion of planned experiments will yield a comprehensive set of data for analysis.