SP 1

Univ.-Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Christian Behl
Institute for Pathobiochemistry
University Medical Center
of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz
Duesbergweg 6, 55128 Mainz
Phone: +49 (0)6131/3925890
Fax: +49 (0)6131/3925792
E-mail: cbehl@uni-mainz.de
Homepage Institute of Pathobiochemistry

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Analysis of the detrimental effects of Cnr1-/- mice in an Alzheimer’s mouse model and of the interplay between CB1 receptor function and amyloid precursor protein processing

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by amyloid β (Aβ)-deposition in amyloid plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, glial activation, selective neuronal loss and cognitive deficits. Cannabinoids have been shown to display neuroprotective effects in a variety of neurodegenerative paradigms and to affect neuronal plasticity and memory.

During the first funding period, studies on the interaction of the ECS with Alzheimer’s disease in an APP23/Cnr1-/- mouse model revealed that these mice show a highly increased mortality compared to APP23/Cnr1-/+ and APP23/Cnr1+/+ mice. Very importantly, processing of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) was altered in brains of APP23/Cnr1-/- mice, indicating that this processing is regulated through CB1 receptor signaling.

In the second funding period, SP1 will further investigate the cause of the high mortality rate of young APP23/Cnr1-/- mice, focusing particularly on possible deficits in myelination, macroautophagy and oxidative stress. A further main goal is the analysis of CB1 receptor signaling in intracellular transport, maturation and processing of APP.

Team members:

Dipl. Biol. Christof Hiebel

Phone: +49 (0)6131 39 25922

Fax: +49 (0)6131 39 24743
E-mail: hiebelch@uni-mainz.de

Tanja Kromm
Pharmazeutin

Phone: +49 (0)6131 39 25922

Fax: +49 (0)6131 39 24743
E-mail:
 kromm@uni-mainz.de