Jessy Etienne - Investigating aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 polymorphism in the aging brain and Alzheimer's disease

Investigating aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 polymorphism in the aging brain and Alzheimer's disease

Abstract - Mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) 2 is primarily expressed in the liver and is crucial for the alcohol detoxifying pathway. ALDH2 also prevents the accumulation of neurotoxic and lipid-derived aldehydes. Aldehydes are end-products of oxidative stress. They can form inactive adducts with macromolecules (DNA, RNA, lipids, proteins), leading to cellular dysfunction. 10% of the World population has ALDH2 polymorphism. The most prevalent ALDH2 variant (ALDH2*2) increased neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and AD risk. Using primary cultures and transgenic mice, I investigate the mechanisms linking ALDH2*2 to brain aging and AD. My work suggests that ALDH2*2 is associated with reduced lipid droplet formation in response to stress. Targeting ALDH2 activity could help increase brain resilience and develop new therapies for AD.

Jessy Etienne, Stanford University

Hosted by - Mari Sosa

About the BELONG Seminar Series

The BELONG seminar series features scientific talks from exceptional postdocs in the neurosciences who identify as Black, Indigenous, Latinx, and/or Person of Color. Sponsored by the Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute Committee for Diversity, Inclusion, Belonging, Equity and Justice.

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In-person attendance is strongly encouraged, but if you are not able to join us in Gunn Rotunda, you may view the talk via Zoom:

https://stanford.zoom.us/j/93045403904?pwd=SDdYc3BJUXJSTlJQRjRjOERIUnpXQT09

Webinar ID: 930 4540 3904

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