Jessica Marshall
Heat shock proteins in Alzheimer's disease
Award
Scientia Professor Henry Brodaty PhD Scholarship
Status
Completed
Start Date
1 June 2017
About the project
It is now well known that Alzheimer’s disease involves the aggregation and deposition of proteins within the brain, which may suggest the importance of molecular chaperones in the manifestation of these protein-aggregate diseases. Heat shock proteins (HSP’s) play an important role in cellular homeostasis by repairing and refolding damaged or stress denatured proteins. HSP’s, known for their chaperoning ability, have now been associated with Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis and its potential as a pharmacologically modulated target in Alzheimer's disease treatment. Jessica is investigating the activation of heat shock protein 72 in the brain as a potential therapy against the cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
Furthermore, the somewhat epidemic of obesity and Type 2 Diabetes within our society has been linked to a higher risk of cognitive decline. Jessica is therefore also investigating the role of a Western Diet and its resultant insulin resistance on the progression of Alzheimer’s disease and the treatment effects of heat shock protein 72 activation.
Where are they now?
Ms Jessica Marshall is currently enrolled as a PhD Candidate at The Baker Institute and The Florey Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute in Melbourne, Victoria.
