Antonius M. J. VanDongen

We have discovered a new connection between the memory gene Arc (Activity Regulated, Cytoskeletal-associated protein) and Alzheimer's disease. Arc is a master regulator of of synaptic plasticity and epigenetically controls the transcription of 1900 genes associated with with synaptic function, neuronal plasticity, intrinsic excitability (channels, receptors, transporters), and signaling pathways (transcription factors/regulators). Approximately 100 genes whose activity-dependent expression level depends on Arc are associated with the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease, suggesting a critical role for Arc in the development of neurodegenerative disorders.