Akash K's Senior Project Blog

Project Title: Fading Moments: The Progressive Battle Against Alzheimer's BASIS Advisor: Tommaso Cioni Internship Location: University of Arizona Onsite Mentor: Dr. Paulo Pires, Assistant Professor of Physiology

Project Abstract

Alzheimer’s is a disease that affects around 55 million people worldwide and, as data suggests, the most common neurodegenerative -rapid degradation of brain tissue and the associated functions- disease. Recent estimates point to approximately 10% of senior citizens (65+) having the disease, with the number increasing substantially by age with about 50% of individuals over 85 affected. With such drastic numbers, it is shocking that there is no readily available cure, only preliminary care is available. However, with the use of a new field of study known as glymphatics (the study of the lymphatic system in the brain), there is a possible solution because we can use it to isolate potentially problematic proteins in the brain. These proteins could help with finding new venues to combat Alzheimer’s disease. With the help of Dr. Paulo Pires, an esteemed researcher at the University of Arizona, I will use data mining techniques to find out which proteins in the brain could be responsible for diseases like Alzheimer’s. I will do this using mass spectrometry analysis, an analytical chemistry technique to isolate proteins based on weight. With the data I find, I can deduce whether the proteins I have isolated are potentially risk factors and could lead to a decline in brain function. Doing so could help pharmaceutical companies to develop drugs specifically tailored to act on those proteins. If the drugs prove to be medical grade, they could remedy ailments seen in millions of affected individuals worldwide and decrease the prevalence of Alzheimer’s Disease.