Summary
UCLA researchers in the Department of Pathology have identified a novel pathway that causes β-amyloid-associated smooth muscle cell loss in Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy (CAA) cases.
Background
Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is a pathologic condition characterized by amyloid deposits in the blood vessels that causes loss of smooth muscle cells. It is associated with several diseases, with nearly 70-90% prevalence in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) cases and even some cases of prion diseases. Currently, it is untreatable as most AD therapeutics modulate the immune system often exacerbating the underlying CAA pathology. The lack of effective therapeutics is due to a lack of understanding of the toxic pathway that causes cell loss.
Innovation
UCLA researchers have identified a novel pathway for therapeutic intervention in CAA-associated neurological disorders. They have identified the different components involved specifically in CAA pathology. The pathway discovered involves several proteins of the immune response. One or more of these components can be targeted for therapeutic intervention.
Applications
▶ Treatment of CAA-associated Alzheimer’s disease
▶ Treatment of Cerebral Hemorrhage
Advantages
▶ Mechanism conserved in all CAA-associated cases
▶ Therapeutic targets are small proteins
State Of Development
▶ Tested extensively in human autopsy material
▶ Validated by multiple biochemical approaches