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.