The Effect of Amyloid-Beta (Ađť›˝) on Cell Viability and Levels of MAP2 and mTOR in Neuro-2a Cells, Both Undifferentiated and Differentiated.
Loading...
Authors
Kaitelyn Walker
Issue Date
2026
Type
Language
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
Amyloid beta (A𝛽) is a key pathological protein involved in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Improper enzymatic processing of A𝛽 can cause its accumulation, leading to decreased cell viability and functionality. This results in disruptions of microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs), interference with synaptic receptors, impaired synaptic signaling, and destabilization of cellular proteomes. This can occur through direct molecular interference and, indirectly, by overloading the cells' endogenous protein recycling and degradation pathways, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. This research aims to analyze the effects of introducing A𝛽 into undifferentiated and differentiated Neuro-2a cells in culture, to assess overall cell viability, and to assess the effects on microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) levels. These proteins will be assessed using a Western blot.
This project consists of four groups. Group 1, a control group, will have Neuro-2a cells undifferentiated without Ađť›˝, and Group 2 will have Neuro-2a cells undifferentiated with Ađť›˝. Group 3, a control group, will have Neuro-2a cells differentiated using 1% bovine serum albumin (BSA) without Ađť›˝, and Group 4 will have Neuro-2a cells differentiated using 1% BSA with Ađť›˝.
We hypothesize that differentiated Neuro-2a cells will have more MAP2 when compared to undifferentiated cells and that cells exposed to A𝛽 will exhibit a higher rate of cell death due to dendritic deterioration resulting from MAP2 disruption and degradation when compared to the control group. In addition, we hypothesize that mTOR levels will be increased in group 3 when compared to group 1, and will have increased mTOR when compared to group 4. The goal of this study is to enhance our understanding of Neuro-2a differentiation and how A𝛽 interacts with cells and its impact on their normal functioning. Furthermore, it will help identify which proteins are most significantly affected by Aβ, thereby deepening our understanding of how A𝛽 disrupts cellular processes.