JPND LOss of neurotrophic factors in neurodegenerative DEmentias: Back to the crossroads of proteins
Study Code / Acronym
LODEAward Number
MR/R02488X/1Programme
Research GrantStatus / Stage
ActiveDates
1 March 2018 -28 February 2021
Duration (calculated)
02 years 11 monthsFunder(s)
MRC (UKRI)Funding Amount
£354,583.70Funder/Grant study page
MRC UKRIContracted Centre
University of CambridgeContracted Centre Webpage
Principal Investigator
Maria Grazia SpillantiniPI Contact
mgs11@cam.ac.ukPI ORCID
0000-0002-8544-7332WHO Catergories
Tools and methodologies for interventionsUnderstanding risk factors
Understanding Underlying Disease
Disease Type
Alzheimer's Disease (AD)CPEC Review Info
| Reference ID | 242 |
|---|---|
| Researcher | Reside Team |
| Published | 12/06/2023 |
Data
| Study Code / Acronym | LODE |
|---|---|
| Award Number | MR/R02488X/1 |
| Status / Stage | Active |
| Start Date | 20180301 |
| End Date | 20210228 |
| Duration (calculated) | 02 years 11 months |
| Funder/Grant study page | MRC UKRI |
| Contracted Centre | University of Cambridge |
| Contracted Centre Webpage | |
| Funding Amount | £354,583.70 |
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease are very common in our society but how they develop and what we can do to treat them is not yet clear. Indeed no cure for these diseases is available. What is known is that some proteins in these diseases form abnormal aggregates that are associated with the death of the neuronal cells and disruption of the network in which neurons are integrated, leading to memory loss (like in Alzheimer’s disease) or movement problems (like in Parkinson’s disease). Exosomes are small vesicles that carry molecules between cells, and are very important in maintaining communication between neurons, especially when their networks are interrupted. We propose that ,the failure of exosomes to form and carry these molecules contributes to loss of neurons and disease. Neurons are supported by growth factors which are carried by exosomes, while exosome production in turn can depend on these growth factors but the mutual relationship between exosomes and growth factors is not well understood. The aim of this application is to clarify this relationship and exploit our findings to deliver growth factors that protect and support the neurons. To achieve these aims, we will examine the presence of these growth factors in exosomes and see if the deficiency can be overcome by delivering the growth factors using nanoparticles to human neurons from diseased individuals, transgenic mouse models of disease and test if the deficiency in patients with the disease. The results will help to shed light on new mechanisms contributing to neurodegeneration and may also unmask novel disease markers besides new targets for intervention.
Aims
We focus on achieving two main goals
1) To study how aging affects neurodegeneration – a) to continue my work on Alzheimer’s disease and b) to collaborate with the colleagues on FTD/ALS to study the commonality and distinguishing features of these neurodegenerative diseases.
2) To find an effective cure for Alzheimer’s disease