Scientists re exploring the use of a yeast model as a tool in screening drug candidates that may be treat Alzheimer's Disease (AD) during its early stages. The model is based on the findings that AD is characterized by formation of beta-amyloid plaques in the brain.

"We've developed a yeast model system in which A-beta small aggregate formation can be detected," said Liebman. "The system employs a fusion of the human A-beta peptide to a functional yeast protein, called a reporter protein, which is only active in allowing cells to grow on test media if the fusion does not form aggregates."

[The author] said the yeast model system can be used to develop a high throughput assay to screen small molecules to find those that inhibit the A-beta dependent aggregation. "We'll screen a library of drugs and compounds, looking for ones that allow our yeast with the reporter protein to grow."

Preventing the formation and accumulation of these aggregates may thus prevent the progression of AD. The study has been published online in BMC Biology.

[Souce: University of Illinois, Photo: AβMRF causes nonsense suppression in yeast, click here for larger image and full caption]