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acetylcholinesterase |
An enzyme that helps degrade the nerve transmitter substance "acetylcholine". Acetylcholinesterase is normally found at the point at which two nerves communicate. |
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amyloid |
An abnormal substance deposited between and within cells. Amyloid stains with the Congo Red stain. In Alzheimer's disease amyloid is abnormally deposited in neuritic plaques and in small blood vessels. |
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APP |
Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) is a protein of uncertain function that is normally found in the brain. In Alzheimer's disease, APP is abnormally degraded resulting in the formation of amyloid. |
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knock-out mice |
An experimental strain of mice that has been genetically engineered in the laboratory such that a specific gene is deleted from the DNA of the mouse. Knock-out mice are extremely useful tools that scientists use to study the function of the gene that has been "knocked-out" of the DNA. |
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mutation |
An abnormal permanent change in the DNA sequence. Mutations can be thought of as "typographical errors" in the DNA code. |
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neuritic plaques |
Abnormal collections of nerve processes surrounding a central core of amyloid. Neuritic plaques, together with neurofibrillary tangles, are the hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease. |
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neurodegenerative |
An abnormal deterioration of the nervous system. |
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neurofibrillary tangles |
Abnormal bundles of filaments in nerve cells in the brain. These filaments contact on protein tau and are of the typical features of Alzheimer's disease. |
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NSAIDs |
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. |
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PS1 |
Presenilin-1 (PS1)is a protein produced in brain cells. Inherited mutations of the PS1 gene on chromosome 14 are a cause of Familial Alzheimer's Disease. |
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PS2 |
Presenilin-2 (PS2) |
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secretase |
A group of enzymes found in brain cells (alpha-secretase, beta-secretase, and gamma-secretase. The secretases function to degrade APP. The abnormal degradation of APP can result in the accumulation of amyloid in the brain and the development of Alzheimer's disease. |
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transgenic mice |
An experimental strain of mice that has been genetically engineered in the laboratory such that a specific gene is added to the DNA of the mouse. Transgenic mice are an invaluable resource for scientists who wish to study the function of a specific gene. |
