By Natalie Baca

Faculty Mentor: Deborah O'Dell

Abstract

Alzheimer’s is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by the buildup of Beta Amyloid Plaques in the brain and the hyperphosphorylation of the Tau Protein. GSK-3 is a protein kinase found normally in cells in both active and inactive states. Overactive GSK-3 has been linked to the hyperphosphorylation of Tau. To examine the activation state of GSK-3. HCN-2 cerebral cortex cells will be exposed to either Interleukin 1B, Compliment 3, or Beta-Amyloid to possibly identify the pathway of Tau Hyperphosphorylation initiation. The activation state of GSK3 will be assayed using a commercial ELISA assay to quantify the levels of total GSK-3 and S9 phospho-GSK-3 to allow a comparison of the inactive vs active levels of GSK-3. Results will be discussed during presentation.