Diagnostic and therapeutic use of a caveolae-associated integral membrane protein for alzheimer's disease and related neurodegenerative disorders

摘要

The present invention discloses the differential expression of the caveolae-associated integral membrane protein flotillin-1 gene in specific brain regions of Alzheimer's disease patients. Based on this finding, this invention provides a method for diagnosing or prognosing Alzheimer's disease or other neurodegenerative diseases in a patient, or for determining whether a subject is at increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease or other related neurodegenerative diseases. Furthermore, this invention provides therapeutic and prophylatic methods for treating or preventing Alzheimer's disease and related neurodegenerative disorders using a caveolae-associated integral membrane protein gene, in particular the flotillin-1 gene. A method of screening for modulating agents of neurodegenerative, diseases is also disclosed.