This project aims to analyze whether the molecular mechanisms of the cholesterol effect on APP and amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) may involve APP-family members, APLP1 and APLP2.  We will elucidate whether cholesterol affects processing of APLP1 and APLP2, like APP, and whether the cholesterol effect on APP is mediated by APLP1/2-regulated trafficking of APP.

Stress related (acute stress reaction, posttraumatic stress disorder) and eating disorders, addictions (alcoholism), aggressive/suicidal behavior, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are frequent multifactorial and polygenic psychiatric disorders that induce a great suffering in patients and their families, and carry financial burden to the whole society. Molecular basis of these disorders involves the changes in neurotransmitter (primarily serotonin - 5-HT, noradrenalin, dopamine) and neuroendocrine systems, and functional gene polymorphisms controlling  the activity of the corresponding proteins.

Serotonergic and catecholaminergic (dopaminergic, noradrenergic) neurotransmitter systems regulate physiological functions and are also connected to the etiology of complex and polygenic neuropsychiatric disorders (Alzheimer’s disease /AD/, frontotemporal dementia, schizophrenia and depression). Etiology and psychobiological mechanisms of neuropsychiatric disorders is not well understood, but could be the result of interaction of genetic factors, specific proteins and environment.