Doris Kretzschmar, Ph.D.

Read more about Dr. Kretzschmar's research

PubMed Listing

Summary of Current Research

We are using Drosophila to study basic mechanisms of neurodegeneration. Currently, we are focusing on two projects. One is the characterization of the swiss cheese mutant, which shows progressive degeneration of the adult nervous system. SWS is the fly homolog of a ´human gene called Neuropathy Target Esterase which plays a role in neurodegeneration induced by pesticides and nerve agents.  Recent results indicated that SWS/NTE interfere with membrane composition thereby damaging neurons.  We are now studying in detail how this leads to neuronal degeneration and cell death.  The other project focuses on the function of Amyloid Precursor Proteins, which are key factors in Alzheimer's Disease.  We are investigating how these proteins are processed , what function different fragments derived from this large precursor protein have, and what other genes influence these processes.  In addition, we have developed a system to study the transport of this protein and its fragments in the living brain using confocal imaging. 

Recent Publications

Education

• Ph.D. Univeristy of Wüerzburg, Germany
  
  

Previous Positions

Non-Academic Interests