New research from Waisman investigator, Tracy Hagemann, PhD, associate research professor, delves into the cognitive impairments and associated molecular changes caused by Alexander disease (AxD), revealing similarities to other neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
GFAP
Tracy L. Hagemann, PhD – Slide of the Week
Alexander disease (AxD) is caused by mutations in the gene for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), an intermediate filament expressed by astrocytes in the central nervous system.
We need to know STAT: Mechanisms behind GFAP accumulation in Alexander disease involve transcription factor STAT3.
The hallmarks of Alexander disease, aggregation of misfolded GFAP proteins and dysregulation of brain cells called astrocytes, may be stopped and reversed in rodent models with the inactivation of the transcription factor STAT3.
Alexander disease: A lifetime’s work in the hope of saving lives
Messing wanted to study if the overexpression of GFAP resulted in a certain reactive response in the brain.
Tracy L. Hagemann, PhD – Slide of the Week
Alexander disease (AxD) is a rare neurodegenerative disorder that is caused by dominant mutations in the gene encoding glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), an intermediate filament that is primarily expressed by astrocytes. In AxD, mutant GFAP in combination with increased GFAP expression result in astrocyte dysfunction and the accumulation of Rosenthal fibers.
Tracy L. Hagemann, PhD & Albee Messing, VMD, PhD – Slide of the Week
Alexander disease results from gain of function mutations in the gene encoding glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). At least eight GFAP isoforms have been described, however, the predominant alpha isoform accounts for approximately 90% of GFAP protein.
Mutation in common protein triggers tangles, chaos inside brain cells
In a study published today, Waisman Center investigators Su-Chun Zhang, Albee Messing and colleagues point to new understandings of the broad range of effects that result from the GFAP mutation impacting astrocytes — important supporting …
Su-Chun Zhang, MD, PhD
Alexander disease patient astrocytes have impaired calcium wave propagation Legend: A) Still images over time from mechanical stimulation of 6-month astrocytes loaded with Fluor-4AM and accompanying post-experiment GFAP stains. B) Average duration of increased calcium …