Role of vascular KATP channels in Alzheimer’s neurodegeneration and dementia

Washington University, Saint Louis MO

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

Abstract A major focus of our efforts is to understand the mechanistic basis and functional consequences of ATPsensitive potassium (KATP) ion channels in the cardiovascular system. There are contradictory reports of KATP channel involvement in Alzheimer's Disease (AD) pathogenesis, and we hypothesize that this is because of the involvement of different channels in neurons versus in cerebral blood vessels. We propose that blocking KATP channels in blood vessels specifically will be beneficial, and we propose to test this in AD model mice by precise genetic manipulation of cardiovascular KATP channels. If successful, these studies will form the background to the testing of relevant pharmacological approaches to CS therapy in animal models and in humans, with the ultimate goal of developing a specific therapy for CS and related pathologies.