College of Arts & Sciences

Hannah Cherusseril

College of Arts & Sciences

Biological Sciences

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Felice Elefant Biology

Mariah Beaver Co-Mentor

Epigenetic changes associated with Alzheimer’s Disease occur prior to plaque formation in Drosophila

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an illness which affects an individual’s cognitive aptitude and mental functionality. While the symptoms are apparent, the underlying mechanisms onset of AD progression remain to be elucidated. By understanding what causes cognitive impairments associated with AD, it is possible to reverse these symptoms. One of the hallmarks of AD are amyloid-beta protein plaques. Aβ plaques are formed from aggregates of the improperly cleaved amyloid precursor protein (APP). However, it is unclear whether these protein deposits are a cause of the disease or if they are alternatively a side-affect. We aim to examine the brains of the APP AD model fly to assess at what developmental stage Aβ plaques are forming and how the formation correlates with the molecular and cognitive defects observed. By studying the larval stage of the AD fly, we hypothesize that there is not Aβ plaque formation. However, during the larval stage of the AD fly, epigenetic regulation and cognition are altered in accordance with AD. This conclusion has been explored using PCR analysis as well as learning and memory studies with the larva.