CAREER: Amyloid fibril formation in bulk solution and on supported phospholipid bilayers

University South Carolina Research Foundation, Columbia SC

Investigators

Abstract

0644826 Moss The project will explain the mechanism of amyloid fibril aggregation. Three aims are proposed: 1) screen compound libraries for inhibitors to amyloid fibril aggregation; 2) use the effective inhibitors to probe the aggregation processes in bulk solution and 3) on phospholipid surface. This work will involve a series of biochemical and biophysical analytical tools. The education program consists of a number of components: a caregiver shadowing program, providing lab research opportunities for undergraduate students, developing biomedical engineering courses, and mentoring minority and women students. The project will focus on the amyloid-beta protein which is a primary component of plaques found in Alzheimer's patients. This research will likely advance the knowledge of protein aggregation and potentially give rise to more effective treatments for Alzheimer's disease.