RESEARCH: ALZHEIMERS
FOLDING PROJECT #18601 PROFILE

Alzheimer's disease is a serious problem with no cure. A gene called ApoE affects your risk of getting Alzheimer's. Some versions of ApoE protect you, while others increase your risk. This project uses computer simulations to understand how different ApoE versions work, hoping to find new ways to treat or prevent Alzheimer's.

Note: This TLDR is a simplication and may not be 100% accurate.

Alzheimer's disease is a significant cause of death in the USA and there are no effective treatments to halt or reverse disease progression.

Genetic polymorphisms (changes to the amino acids that comprise the protein) in apolipoprotein E (ApoE) are one of the strongest predictors of Alzheimer’s disease.

There are three dominant alleles (versions) of ApoE that are found in humans.

Each ApoE allele differs only by a single amino acid substitution.

ApoE3 is most common and carries a neutral risk for AD.

Carriers of ApoE2 (R158C) appear protected from Alzehimer's disease, whereas ApoE4 (C112R) carriers are 12-fold more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease.

Finally, a recent variant in ApoE3, ApoEchristchurch (R136S) has emerged which also appears to protect from Alzheimer's disease.

How these mutations in ApoE contribute to Alzheimer's disease, as well as how mutations in ApoE impact ApoE function, remains unclear. It is clear that ApoE isoforms can protect from Alzheimer's, suggesting that ApoE targeted therapeutics may be a means of reversing or preventing Alzheimer's disease progression.

Here, we will simulate how one variant of ApoE move in solution.

We hope these simulations will lead to a better understanding of how ApoE contributes to Alzheimer's disease.

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Alzheimer's disease

A progressive neurodegenerative disorder.

Alzheimer's disease is a serious brain condition that causes memory loss, thinking problems, and changes in behavior. It's the most common cause of dementia, affecting millions worldwide.

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Genetic polymorphisms

Variations in DNA sequences.

Genetic polymorphisms are small changes in the DNA sequence that can affect how genes function. These variations can influence an individual's risk for certain diseases.

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Apolipoprotein E (ApoE)

A protein that transports cholesterol and fats in the blood.

ApoE is a crucial protein involved in fat metabolism and transport. It plays a role in delivering cholesterol to cells and tissues throughout the body.

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Alleles

Different versions of a gene.

Genes come in different forms called alleles. These variations can lead to different traits or characteristics.

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Amino acid substitution

A change in one amino acid in a protein sequence.

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. An amino acid substitution is a change in one of these building blocks, which can affect the protein's function.

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ApoE2

A variant of the ApoE gene.

ApoE2 is a specific version of the Apolipoprotein E gene that has been linked to a reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease.

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ApoE4

A variant of the ApoE gene.

ApoE4 is a specific version of the Apolipoprotein E gene that has been associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease.

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ApoEchristchurch

A variant of the ApoE gene.

ApoEchristchurch is a specific variant of the Apolipoprotein E gene that has been found to potentially protect against Alzheimer's disease.