DYN-PROP-AD: Deposition dynamics and propagation behaviour of amyloid-β
The aim of this project is to investigate the role of blood-brain barrier carrier proteins in the deposition dynamics of amyloid-β (Aβ), a peptide associated with the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), as well as in the putative propagation of this peptide from the periphery to the brain.
Our research will (i) provide valuable new insights into the pathogenesis of AD, (ii) identify novel targets and optimal time windows for treatment of AD and (iii) help assess the risk of inter-individual Aβ transmission.
The experiments will be carried out in mice and phased in such a way that only research paths yielding statistically significant and thus relevant results will be pursued further, thus minimizing the number of animals needed to obtain robust results. Furthermore, all methods and animal models that we plan to use in this project are well-known, validated and well-established in our research group and all treatments which can cause pain or significant stress in the animals will be performed under general anaesthesia. Thus, we expect the harm inflicted on the animals to be minimal.
The development of Alzheimer’s amyloid pathology involves a complex interplay of different cell types in 3-dimensional tissues. To date, there are no in vitro models that can effectively reproduce these complex settings to deliver reliable results. Moreover, in order to clearly identify targets and optimal time windows for effective treatment of AD which can lead to the advancement of drugs for clinical studies in humans, animal models are an inevitable mean for testing to exclude severe adverse side effects.
Our research will (i) provide valuable new insights into the pathogenesis of AD, (ii) identify novel targets and optimal time windows for treatment of AD and (iii) help assess the risk of inter-individual Aβ transmission.
The experiments will be carried out in mice and phased in such a way that only research paths yielding statistically significant and thus relevant results will be pursued further, thus minimizing the number of animals needed to obtain robust results. Furthermore, all methods and animal models that we plan to use in this project are well-known, validated and well-established in our research group and all treatments which can cause pain or significant stress in the animals will be performed under general anaesthesia. Thus, we expect the harm inflicted on the animals to be minimal.
The development of Alzheimer’s amyloid pathology involves a complex interplay of different cell types in 3-dimensional tissues. To date, there are no in vitro models that can effectively reproduce these complex settings to deliver reliable results. Moreover, in order to clearly identify targets and optimal time windows for effective treatment of AD which can lead to the advancement of drugs for clinical studies in humans, animal models are an inevitable mean for testing to exclude severe adverse side effects.