Ashley Zagelow (2023-2025) Research: Therapeutic effects of methylene blue on human tau-mediated neurodegeneration (Alzheimer's disease) in Drosophila models - ASR Laboratory, Odessa High School, Odessa, WA (2025) Tau, the microtubule-associated protein, creates filaments that form neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) that are known as a primary biomarker in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Tau manages the production and upkeep of the stability of microtubules. In a diseased brain, tau becomes excessively hyperphosphorylated, causing the microtubules to deconstruct. These loose tau fragments mass into paired helical filaments (PHF). It is possible that cognitive impairments are a result of PHF degrading the neurons in the brain. Methylene blue (MB) crosses the blood-brain barrier and at low doses serves as an electron cycler in the mitochondrial electron transport chain. Previous studies implicate MB in both memory enhancement and neuroprotection. Drosophila expressing UAS h-tau should produce more tau aggregates through generations. Methylene blue may inhibit tau hyperphosphorylation, thus reducing the formation of tau aggregates and neurofibrillary tangles (NFT). Drosophila expressing UAS-h-tau while fed a regular diet containing small doses of methylene blue will have a higher percentage of success during memory assays than flies expressing UAS-h-tau while on a regular diet. The average percent of flies in the control group passing the climbing assay was 64.8/9.8%. The average percent of flies in the control group (UAS-h not expressing gene) passing the climbing assay was 58.7/9.2%. The data is incomplete at this time. The next phase of this research is awaiting climbing assay results from the experimental groups expressing the tau gene as well as the group medicated with methylene blue. Recognition: 2025 - Senior Division Award in Biomedical & Health Sciences, EWRSEF, Spokane, WA - 1st Place Senior Division Award in Biomedical & Health Sciences, Trophy, Ribbon, WSSEF, Bremerton, WA |
