CHST Seminar Series: Molecular Mechanisms of Alzheimer's Disease in Environmental Stressors

Featuring Todd Camenisch, Program Director Biomedical Sciences.

Join us for a presentation focused on the complex topic of Molecular Mechanisms of Alzheimer's Disease from Environmental Stressors.

Tau is a protein that helps maintain the structure and growth of nerve cells. However, in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and similar neurodegenerative disorders, Tau proteins can become damaged and clump together, which harms brain cells. In Alzheimer’s, these proteins are often modified in abnormal ways that make them toxic and prone to forming harmful clumps. The etiology of forming Tau clumps is not clearly known, and there are no effective treatments for reversing this Tau pathology.

Arsenic, a natural element found in the environment, has been linked to brain damage. Past studies have shown that arsenic can cause harmful protein buildups in the brain, which are commonly seen in Alzheimer’s disease. However, it is not fully understood how arsenic affects Tau proteins specifically, or how it contributes to damage to brain cells.

We believe that arsenic may cause Tau proteins to fold incorrectly, making them clump together and damage brain cells. This could happen directly when arsenic binds to Tau or indirectly by triggering changes in Tau’s protein structure. To investigate this area, we use a genetically modified worm model (C. elegans) that mimics Alzheimer's disease. These worms are engineered to produce different levels of human Tau, making it a useful system for studying the biochemistry of Tau and for the training of student researchers. Studies are revealing a novel mechanism for triggering initial clumping of Tau proteins that leads to Alzheimer's disease. This also validates a model system to be used to test novel approaches to slow the progression of neurodegenerative diseases.

*A Zoom link will be provided for those unable to attend the seminar in-person.
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