# STUDY OF METALLOPROTEASES MP MP-130-100 IN ALZHEIMER BRA

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA · 1991 · $142,795

## Abstract

The objective of this proposal is to test the hypothesis that the
accumulation of characteristic proteinaceous deposits in Alzheimer-affected
brain regions (ie. hippocampus) may be the result of aberrant regulation of
proteinases.  Our recent pilot study identified the three major neutral
proteinases that are detectable in the human hippocampus, MP-130, MP-100,
and MP-70.  All are Ca-dependent metalloproteinases and are distinguishable
from calpain.  Since the distribution of two of these enzymes, MP-130 and
MP-100, differs between control and Alzheimer specimens, we propose to
investigate them in greater depth.  The availability of these enzymes will
be measured in hippocampal and cerebral hemisphere specimens, and their
possible correlation with neuropathological parameters evaluated.  The
enzymes will be purified so that their cleavage specificity and in situ
substrate preference, metal ion dependence, and possible activation or
destruction by serine proteases can be established.  Specific monoclonal
antibodies will be raised against the purified enzymes and they will be
used for the immunohistochemical localization of the enzymes, and for the
testing of potential structural similarities between the brain-derived and
other metalloproteinases derived from non-neuronal cell tissues.  The
subcellular distribution of these enzymes, as demonstrated with
immunohistological techniques, and the application of special chromogenic
peptide-substrates for the cytochemical localization of their activities in
Alzheimer and control specimens will help to assess whether altered
processing or compartmentalization is related to the pathogenesis of brain
lesions.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3121593
- **Project number:** 1R01AG009681-01
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
- **SAM.gov UEI:** G88KLJR3KYT5
- **Principal Investigator:** ZOLTAN A TOKES
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1991
- **Award amount:** $142,795
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 1991-02-01 → 1994-01-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3121593

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3121593, STUDY OF METALLOPROTEASES MP MP-130-100 IN ALZHEIMER BRA (1R01AG009681-01). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3121593. Licensed CC0.

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