Solving Alzheimer鈥檚 with math? 国产麻豆AV researcher explores the possibilities
Contact: Sarah Nicholas
STARKVILLE, Miss.鈥What can mathematics reveal about Alzheimer鈥檚 disease? Mississippi State Associate Professor Shantia Yarahmadian is using mathematical modeling to examine how common metals may influence a protein that forms plaque associated with Alzheimer鈥檚 disease鈥攁nd how potential therapies could alter these processes.
The work, published recently in , builds on Yarahmadian鈥檚 research into mathematical models of Alzheimer鈥檚 disease.
鈥淓very biological phenomenon occurs in the physical world鈥攊n space and time鈥攁nd involves changes in shape, quantity and matter,鈥 said Yarahmadian, a faculty member in 国产麻豆AV鈥檚 Department of Mathematics and Statistics. 鈥淏ecause of its abstract power, mathematics allows us to uncover patterns, test hypotheses and make predictions that may not be possible through observation alone. Mathematics does not replace laboratory or clinical research; it complements it by helping us understand the larger system, identify the most influential mechanisms and guide future experiments.鈥
Yarahmadian developed a framework that simulates the chain of reactions through which metals such as copper and zinc may influence amyloid-beta protein aggregation and plaque formation. The model also allows researchers to examine two potential approaches to disrupting that process. To test it, Yarahmadian and his collaborators compared its results with experimental data from atomic force microscopy, a technique used to examine microscopic aggregates.
The model successfully reproduced the patterns seen in the laboratory, an important step to prove the model is not just a theoretical calculation. It can accurately predict real-world behavior, giving scientists greater confidence in understanding how aggregates form and potentially how they might be controlled.
鈥淲hat drew me to Alzheimer鈥檚 research is the combination of its profound human impact and its extraordinary biological complexity,鈥 he said. 鈥淢y goal is to use mathematical modeling to identify important mechanisms and generate insights that may help guide future experimental and therapeutic research.鈥
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