Alzheimer’s disease

Emmanuel Mekasha
Mike and
Julia Balson
 Researcher Information
◈ Emmanuel Mekasha – Glenelg High School
◈ Studying plasmid use with genetic Alzheimer’s
disease.
◈ Location – Ross Research Building at John Hopkins
University
 Internship
◈ Mentor: Dr. Tong Li
◈ Current Experience: Raising
Genetically Altered Mice,
Dissection, Storage of organs
from said mice, Gel
Electrophoresis, and Recording
the brain activity of mice.
 Research Definitions
Plasmids - Circular pieces of
bacterial DNA used in Gene Therapy
Phenotypic Expression - The
physical features of an organism as
a result of its genes
Research
◈ Research Question: How may
plasmids, containing
recombinant DNA, be used to
alter the phenotypic
expression of neurological
disorders and diseases at the
cellular level?

◈ Predictions: Use of Plasmids

may aid treat genetic factors
that cause Alzheimer’s
disease
 External Factors correlated to
Alzheimer’s
- Lack of Physical Exercise
- Lack of Mental Exercise
- Diet
 Genetic Factors correlated to
Alzheimer’s
- Genes such as:
- The APOE genes within
Chromosome 19
- CR1 gene within
Chromosome 1
Impact