|  | Robert Vassar, PhD |
The β-secretase enzyme, BACE1, initiates production of β-amyloid, the probable cause of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Robert Vassar, PhD, Associate Professor in the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, co-discovered BACE1, characterized BACE1 and BACE2, and validated BACE1 in vivo. He also demonstrated that BACE1 gene deletion prevents amyloid pathology, hippocampal dysfunction, memory deficits, and neuron loss. He has uncovered links between impaired energy metabolism, BACE1, and amyloid pathology, suggesting a positive feedback loop in AD pathogenesis. Akin to the discovery of presenilin, the identification of BACE1 was a major advance in AD research and for the first time allowed β-secretase drug development, now intensely pursued by leading pharmaceutical companies world-wide.
For his contribution to AD research, Dr. Vassar is one of the three major recipients of the MetLife Foundation Awards for Medical Research. These awards were established in 1986 to recognize scientific research achievements in Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Vassar will be honored at an award ceremony in Washington, DC on February 29th. | |
