The Use of Verapamil to Maximize P-gp Expression on the Cell Membrane
School Name
Governor's School for Science and Mathematics
Grade Level
12th Grade
Presentation Topic
Cell and Molecular Biology
Presentation Type
Mentored
Oral Presentation Award
4th Place
Abstract
This research was conducted to develop a potential treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. P-glycoprotein has been shown to transport amyloid beta aggregates that are thought to be responsible for the neurotoxicity in Alzheimer’s disease. We hypothesized that treatment with Verapamil can alter P-glycoprotein expression and an increase in P-glycoprotein present on the cell membrane would increase the transport of amyloid beta aggregates. This would slow and potentially stop the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. To test this hypothesis, Madin Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cells were grown, treated with various concentrations of Verapamil, and then fixed and stained. The images were analyzed to determine the effect of Verapamil on the expression of P-glycoprotein on the cell membrane. The results show that Verapamil increases P-glycoprotein expression with an inverse dose dependency. The inverse dose dependency was unexpected and has not been reported previously.
Recommended Citation
Hazzard, Amber, "The Use of Verapamil to Maximize P-gp Expression on the Cell Membrane" (2018). South Carolina Junior Academy of Science. 20.
https://scholarexchange.furman.edu/scjas/2018/all/20
Location
Neville theater
Start Date
4-14-2018 10:00 AM
Presentation Format
Oral and Written
The Use of Verapamil to Maximize P-gp Expression on the Cell Membrane
Neville theater
This research was conducted to develop a potential treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. P-glycoprotein has been shown to transport amyloid beta aggregates that are thought to be responsible for the neurotoxicity in Alzheimer’s disease. We hypothesized that treatment with Verapamil can alter P-glycoprotein expression and an increase in P-glycoprotein present on the cell membrane would increase the transport of amyloid beta aggregates. This would slow and potentially stop the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. To test this hypothesis, Madin Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cells were grown, treated with various concentrations of Verapamil, and then fixed and stained. The images were analyzed to determine the effect of Verapamil on the expression of P-glycoprotein on the cell membrane. The results show that Verapamil increases P-glycoprotein expression with an inverse dose dependency. The inverse dose dependency was unexpected and has not been reported previously.
