Diagnostic and therapeutic use of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein for neurodegenerative diseases

摘要

The present invention discloses the differential expression of the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) gene in specific brain regions of Alzheimer's disease patients. Based on this finding, this invention provides a method for diagnosing or prognosticating a neurodegenerative disease, in particular Alzheimer's disease, in a subject, or for determining whether a subject is at increased risk of developing such a disease. Furthermore, this invention provides therapeutic and prophylactic methods for treating or preventing Alzheimer's disease and related neurodegenerative disorders using the StAR gene and gene products. A method of screening for modulating agents of neurodegenerative diseases is also disclosed.