Description: A good Aβ? Bioinorganic perspective on the toxicity and physiological role of beta-amyloid peptides

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• Prof Wojcieh Bal
• Tuesday 20 November 2018, 13:00-14:00
• Department of Biochemistry, Sanger Building Jean Thomas Lecture Theatre.

If you have a question about this talk, please contact Dr Arkadiusz Bonna.

Formation of toxic aggregates and plaques consisting of beta-amyloid (Aβ) peptides is a generally acknowledged early event in Alzheimer’s Disease. This fact prompted the development of numerous therapies focusing on inhibition of Aβ synthesis or dissolution of Aβ-derived structures. These therapies do not work, and it seems that Aβ elimination is as detrimental to brain function as its excess. A distinct line of research connects mechanisms of Aβ toxicity with copper physiology, postulating the Cu(Aβ) complexes as important toxic species acting via oxidative stress.

We revisited the Aβ/copper relationship taking into account sequence heterogeneity of this family of peptides. Our studies resulted in a proposal of physiological function for Aβ4-x peptide subfamily as synaptic copper scavengers and shuttles. This concept helps explain the failures of Aβ-directed therapeutic approaches, set limits on applicability of chelation therapies in neurodegenerative diseases and assist development of novel ideas in AD treatment.

This talk is part of the Seminars at the Department of Biochemistry series.

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• Cambridge Infectious Diseases
• Department of Biochemistry, Sanger Building Jean Thomas Lecture Theatre
• PMRFPS's
• Seminars at the Department of Biochemistry
• biochem seminars
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