Microtransplantation of Functional Receptors and Channels from the Alzheimer's Brain to Frog Oocytes

• Published in: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences - PNAS 2004-02, Vol.101 (6), p.1760-1763
• Main Authors: Miledi, R., Dueñas, Z., Martinez-Torres, A., Kawas, C. H., Eusebi, F.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Alzheimer Disease - metabolism; Alzheimer's disease; Alzheimers disease; Animals; Biological Sciences; Cell membranes; Electric current; GABA receptors; Humans; Ion Channels - metabolism; Ion currents; Membranes; Neurology; Neurotransmitter receptors; Oocytes; Oocytes - metabolism; P branes; Receptors; Receptors, Cell Surface - metabolism; Rodents; String theory; Xenopus
• ISSN: 0027-8424; 1091-6490
• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0308224100

About a decade ago, cell membranes from the electric organ of Torpedo and from the rat brain were transplanted to frog oocytes, which thus acquired functional Torpedo and rat neurotransmitter receptors. Nevertheless, the great potential that this method has for studying human diseases has remained virtually untapped. Here, we show that cell membranes from the postmortem brains of humans that suffered Alzheimer's disease can be microtransplanted to the plasma membrane of Xenopus oocytes. We show also that these postmortem membranes carry neurotransmitter receptors and voltage-operated channels that are still functional, even after they have been kept frozen for many years. This method provides a new and powerful approach to study directly the functional characteristics and structure of receptors, channels, and other membrane proteins of the Alzheimer's brain. This knowledge may help in understanding the basis of Alzheimer's disease and also help in developing new treatments.