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The more we understand specific processes of how the complex system of the brain is altered by dementia, the closer we come to finding the causes and cure for the disease. Two B.C. scientists are aiming to advance Alzheimer’s research to improve treatment strategies.
At the university’s mountain–top campus, Simon Fraser University doctoral student Michael Jones is studying the interaction of metal ions with a specific disease protein in the brain.
“There is a close association of copper, iron, and zinc with the extracellular protein aggregates that is one characteristic of a brain affected by Alzheimer’s disease,” explains Michael. “My initial studies have demonstrated that these metal protein aggregates can be used to generate bioactive molecules and if its efficacy is validated, this strategy will provide a powerful targeting method for future Alzheimer’s disease therapy development.”
Across town at the University of British Columbia, Terri Petkau is exploring how a progranulin deficiency affects brain function, specifically in relation to the connections between brain cells in certain brain regions. Mutations of the progranulin gene are common in frontotemporal dementia, which is the second most common form of dementia and primarily affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, the areas generally associated with personality and behaviour.
“The goal of my work is to determine what differences in brain function are apparent when progranulin is removed from the system,” she explains. “One can imagine that a reduced number of connections in the brain would lead to disrupted brain function, so if our hypothesis is correct, then treatment strategies aimed at either increasing or at least maintaining these connections could prove beneficial for the treatment of frontotemporal dementia.”
Each year, the Alzheimer Society of B.C. provides funding for the peer-reviewed, nation-wide Alzheimer Society Research Program. Terri received the Alzheimer Society of British Columbia Doctoral Studentship Award and Michael was awarded a Biomedical Doctoral Award.
