Elucidation and regulation of Aβ homeostasis using aptameric biology | Planned Research

Planned Research A01

Leader: Dr. Yukiko Hori
Affiliation: Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo
subject: Elucidation and regulation of Aβ homeostasis using aptameric biology
Purpose: Since the increased Aβ levels in the brain is one of risks for Alzheimer disease (AD), elucidation and regulation of Aβ homeostasis is important towards therapeutic strategy against AD. We have identified Kallikrein-related peptidase 7 (KLK7) derived from astrocytes as one of the Aβ-degrading enzymes. Moreover, we also showed that the expression level of KLK7 was changed by Aβ stimulation, suggesting that astrocytes can regulate Aβ homeostasis in the brain by sensing Aβ and modulating the KLK7 expression. However, the detailed regulatory mechanism of KLK7 expression is still unknown. In this study, we would like to elucidate its regulatory mechanism, and challenge the therapeutic possibility with aptamers to regulate Aβ homeostasis.