In the Department of Human Biology, we are researching Alzheimer's disease in order to better understand its causes and develop new therapeutic approaches. A central project is dedicated to the amyloid precursor protein (APP). This protein produces the toxic Abeta peptide, which is deposited in the brains of Alzheimer's patients and is considered to be the main cause of the disease. However, Abeta is only produced when APP is taken up by the cell surface through a process called endocytosis.

We have identified different regions of the APP protein that significantly influence this process of endocytosis. Our goal now is to use high-throughput microscopy and artificial intelligence to find peptides and drugs that specifically inhibit APP endocytosis. We are initially carrying out these investigations in cell cultures in order to identify potential active substances.

However, in order to find out whether these substances also prevent the formation of harmful Abeta deposits in the brain, experiments on a mouse model for Alzheimer's disease are essential. These mice carry a mutation that causes them to develop amyloid plaques in old age, similar to people with Alzheimer's disease. Only in this living system can we test whether the active substances also fulfill their task in the complex organism.

If the substances prove to be effective in the mouse model, this would be a significant step forward. In collaboration with clinics, we could then take the next step and check whether our results can also be transferred to humans.