Synthesis Of Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that occurs progressively and is currently irremediable. It affects cognitive functioning, like reasoning, attention and memory, and behavioral abilities,such as walking and talking. At the severe stage of Alzheimer’s, those affected are completely dependent. Alzheimer's disease like most degenerative disorders is caused by pro-inflammatory responses. Pro-inflammatory responses are largely mediated via reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are key signaling molecules that play important roles in disease pathogenesis. There is substantial evidence that oxidative stress caused by the accumulation of amyloids is an important contributing factor to the progression of the Alzheimer's disease,

In addition, dPrx4 may have differential effects on fly physiology and inflammatory responses, and these effects are both tissue-specific and sensitive to dPrx4 expression levels. I propose to determine the pathways and targets of dPrx4, responsible for the transmission of ROS-related abiotic signals. Under normal conditions, dPrx4 resides in the ER, where it maintains a redox environment conducive to proper protein oxidative folding and thereby prevents accumulation of misfolded proteins, a condition known as ER

As a Biology major on pre-med track, this project is an immense opportunity to develop my interests in biomedical research. One of my attractions to the medical field is its challenging atmosphere of continuous discoveries such as finding new diseases or cures for previously incurable ones and new approaches to disease treatment. Conducting my project, which is linked to Alzheimer's disease that is currently incurable, will be an insightful experience. In addition, independent research will improve my critical thinking, problem-solving and analysis skills, and in-depth knowledge of the research process.

Also, my project will involve biochemical pathways, genetic crossing and recombination, mutations and other processes that I have learned in my Genetics class and the use of techniques gained from an entire semester of introductory research methods. While the courses have prepared me, my research project will reiterate and provide a deeper understanding of concepts learned in my Biology