Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Abstract
Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a degenerative and destructive disorder causing progressive impairment and loss of the nerve cells, eventually leading to further impairments of cognitive functions. Calcium ions (Ca2+) are vital for cell signaling and muscle contraction. The Bcl-2 protein family helps regulate cell death by controlling the release of Ca2+ from the ER. Bcl-2 can also block pro-apoptotic proteins from puncturing the mitochondria and causing intrinsic apoptosis. In AD, the presence of amyloid-beta plaques and neurofibrillary tangles downregulates Bcl-2 production. The loss of Bcl-2 leads to mitochondrial damage, heightened calcium levels, and oxidative stress. Although there is no cure for Alzheimer's, a number of symptom management options and medications that may slow the progression of the disease are available.
Faculty Mentor
Joshua Owens
Recommended Citation
Callens, Manon, et al. “The role of Bcl-2 proteins in modulating neuronal Ca2+signaling in health and in Alzheimer’s disease.” Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Molecular Cell Research, vol. 1868, no. 6, May 2021, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0167488921000513. “Alzheimer’s Disease Fact Sheet | National Institute on Aging.” NIH, National Institute of Health, 5 Apr. 2023, www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-and-dementia/alzheimers-disease-fact-sheet. “How Alzheimer’s Disease Changes the Brain.” Alzheimer Society of Canada, Alzheimer Society, alzheimer.ca/en/about-dementia/what-alzheimers-disease/how-alzheimers-disease-changes-brain. Accessed 27 Nov. 2024. “Investing in Alzheimer’s Research.” AIM, Alzheimer’s Impact Movement, alzimpact.org/research. Accessed 27 Nov. 2024. “How Is Alzheimer’s Disease Treated?” National Institute on Aging, 12 Sept. 2023, www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-treatment/how-alzheimers-disease-treated.
Included in
BCL-2 Regulation as Seen in Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a degenerative and destructive disorder causing progressive impairment and loss of the nerve cells, eventually leading to further impairments of cognitive functions. Calcium ions (Ca2+) are vital for cell signaling and muscle contraction. The Bcl-2 protein family helps regulate cell death by controlling the release of Ca2+ from the ER. Bcl-2 can also block pro-apoptotic proteins from puncturing the mitochondria and causing intrinsic apoptosis. In AD, the presence of amyloid-beta plaques and neurofibrillary tangles downregulates Bcl-2 production. The loss of Bcl-2 leads to mitochondrial damage, heightened calcium levels, and oxidative stress. Although there is no cure for Alzheimer's, a number of symptom management options and medications that may slow the progression of the disease are available.