Padmesh S Rajput

Somatostatin, a neuropeptide, was first isolated from the hypothalamus as a growth hormone inhibitory substance. Now SST is also known as a neurotransmitter, a neuromodulater, a paracrine/autocrine regulator and as a true hormone. These diverse effects of SST are mediated by SST receptors characterized as SSTR1-5 which belong to the family of G protein-coupled receptors. The Somatostatin family of receptors is differentially distributed throughout the CNS and periphery. Activation of these receptors stimulates multiple intracellular cascades to modulate growth hormone release, insulin and glucagon secretion, gastric acid secretion and neuronal activity. I will use an experimental model of disease as well as autopsy brain samples from patients who have Alzheimer's disease and will look into neuroprotective role of Somatostatin and its receptors. To understand the properties of Somatostatin and its receptors we use a combination of pharmacological and biophysical techniques like western blotting, immunohistochemistry, PCR, pbFRET and some protein isolation techniques. We are expecting to elucidate the mechanism of neurodegeneration which take place gradually in our elderly population. Since two histological hallmarks of the disease such as neurofilamental tangles and senile plaques are used as a diagnostic tool of the disease we will further determine whether there is any close relation between our proteins of interest with these markers.