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Tipping the Energy Balance: APOE, Alzheimer's Disease, and Cerebral Metabolism

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Monday, November 04, 2019
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Lance Johnson; hosted by Al La Spada
Duke Center for Neurodegeneration & Neurotherapeutics

Lunch reception at 11:30 AM. Part of the Duke Center for Neurodegeneration & Neurotherapeutics Seminar Series.

Research in the Johnson lab is focused on the role of the gene Apolipoprotein E (APOE) in modulating cerebral metabolism and Alzheimer's Disease pathogenesis. In humans, the APOE gene exists in three common alleles: E2, E3 and E4. The E4 allele of APOE dramatically increases AD risk (up to 15-fold). Conversely, the E2 allele is associated with a substantial reduction in risk and increased longevity.

Their studies aim to understand early-life changes in metabolism associated with APOE and include a special focus on glia and their contributions to neurodegeneration. Their lab's overarching goal is to identify therapeutic targets that will allow them to reprogram metabolism in individuals at-risk for Alzheimer's Disease in order to enhance cognitive resilience and to extend the brain's health span.