MASSBAY COMMUNITY COLLEGE PARTICIPATES IN CUTTING EDGE RESEARCH WITH AREA SCHOOLS LEADING TO EARLY ALZHIEMERS DETECTION
MASSBAY COMMUNITY COLLEGE PARTICIPATES IN CUTTING EDGE RESEARCH WITH AREA SCHOOLS LEADING TO EARLY ALZHIEMERS DETECTION
WELLESLEY HILLS, MA – Scientists from MassBay Community College successfully collaborated with biological science counterparts from University of Massachusetts-Lowell and Boston University on experiments related to early detection of Alzheimer’s Disease. The results from the experiments, which were performed in MassBay’s state-of-the-art biotechnology and environmental science labs in Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts, were published in the prestigious Journal of Biological Chemistry.
The scientists discovered that exosomes (a cell marker or vesicle released from cells) containing tau and other proteins is an indictor of Alzheimer’s Disease. Exosomes can be found in the cerebral spinal column and can be examined through a spinal tap. High levels of tau found in the exosome is an indicator of advanced stages of Alzheimer’s Disease.
According to Dr. Sudad Saman, an Adjunct Professor of STEM at MassBay, researcher and author of the article “Exosome-associated tau is secreted in taupathy models and is selectively phosphorylated in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in early Alzheimer’s Disease” published in the Journal of Biology Chemistry, November 4, 2011, “Often Alzheimer’s Disease is detected in patients in its later stages, when the disease has become more apparent to loved ones. By discovering Alzheimer’s in patients earlier, they can start taking medications, even five years earlier can be beneficial to extending the life of the individual as well as delaying the degenerating effects of the disease.”
The deduction that the secretion of the tau protein from the exosome as an early indicator of Alzheimer’s Disease was the product of a cross-university team led by Dr. Sudad Saman and UMass-Lowell’s Dr. Garth Hall, Professor of Biological Science. Also participating in the work were Boston University's Dr. Ann C. McKee, Associate Professor of Neurology and Pathology, and Mass Spectrometry Specialist, Lee Norman; Victor E. Alvarez, MD (Neuropathology); and from MassBay’s Biotechnology Department was Dr. Bruce Jackson, Professor of Biotechnology, Dr. Sarmand Saman, Professor of Microbiology, Dr. Mario Raya, Professor of Life Sciences and Dr. Suhad Miro, Professor of STEM, all of whom were instrumental to the successful outcome of the research.
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“This is extraordinary work being done here at MassBay,” said President John O’Donnell. “MassBay has long benefitted from world-class biotechnology and environmental science programs, and our elite professors continue to make important contributions to the world of science.”
“The result of our work may become revolutionary in diagnosing Alzheimer’s Disease in its early onset,” said Dr. Sudad Saman. “We believe our discovery is quite significant. In addition, having this research done at MassBay reflects the tremendous commitment and support of the College. In doing this research, we had the privilege and honor of working with professors and scientists who have been working in this field for more than 20 years.”
This discovery is the latest breakthrough stemming from MassBay’s biotechnology and environmental science programs. MassBay has produced 17 Barry M. Goldwater Scholars, the most prestigious undergraduate honor in math, science and engineering. In 2010, MassBay announced the discovery of a new bacteria made possible by Dr. Sarmad Saman, Coordinator of MassBay’s Environmental Science program, in conjunction with the work of a student utilizing MassBay’s high-tech equipment and laboratory. The environmental science and biotechnology programs at MassBay are internationally renowned and among the nation’s most celebrated undergraduate science programs.
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