Dr. John Viles, School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary, University of London
The key hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease is the formation of amyloid-beta peptide fibers and oligomers. This process is often considered in isolation but there is now clear evidence that in vivo amyloid-beta peptide will bind to other proteins and metal ions. I will focuses on two clearly identified protein partners for amyloid-beta peptide. Human serum albumin; the most abundant protein in cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) within the brain and the prion protein (PrP), concentrated at the synaptic terminals with a high affinity for amyloid-beta peptide. The lecture will focus on biophysical approaches to understanding these fundamental interactions.
Monday 14th October 2013, 4.00 p.m. in Ingram Lecture Theatre