Fig. 3. Decision tree for hybrid sequencing strategy. For organisms with a small genome size (Ͻ3 Mb) and͞or a small number of gaps and͞or high levels of repetitive structure inducing physical ends, we found 8ϫ Sanger sequencing to be the most cost-effective approach. For organisms with a large genome size, many sequencing gaps, and͞or hard stops, we found initial sequencing of 5.3ϫ Sanger data followed by the addition of two 454 runs to be the most cost-effective approach.

Background: A␤ and human amylin peptides share similar biophysical and neurotoxic properties. Results: A␤ directly activates amylin-3 receptor (AMY3) isoform and triggers multiple signaling pathways. Conclusion: A␤ actions are expressed via AMY3 receptors. Significance: AMY3 could serve as a therapeutic target for attenuating A␤ toxicity.

Disruption of neurotoxic effects of amyloid β protein (Aβ) is one of the major, but as yet elusive, goals in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The amylin receptor, activated by a pancreatic polypeptide isolated from diabetic patients, is a putative target for the actions of Aβ in the brain. Here we show that in primary cultures of human fetal neurons (HFNs), AC253, an amylin receptor antagonist, blocks electrophysiological effects of Aβ. Pharmacological blockade of the amylin receptor or its down-regulation using siRNA in HFNs confers neuroprotection against oligomeric Aβ-induced caspase-dependent and caspase-independent apoptotic cell death. In transgenic mice (TgCRND8) that overexpress amyloid precursor protein, amylin receptor is up-regulated in specific brain regions that also demonstrate an elevated amyloid burden. The expression of Aβ actions through the amylin receptor in human neurons and temporospatial interrelationship of Aβ and the amylin receptor in an in vivo model of AD together provide a persuasive rationale for this receptor as a novel therapeutic target in the treatment of AD.