Can supporting cells of the brain help to treat Alzheimer’s disease?

Project Code

MRCNMH26Ex Noble

Project Type

Wet lab

Research Theme

Neuroscience and Mental Health

Project Summary Download

Summary

Tau tangles accumulate mainly in neurons in Alzheimer’s disease brain. We recently found that blocking inflammatory signals in non-neuronal cells caused a reduction in tangles within neurons (doi: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.09.011). However, it remains unclear which type of cell is responsible for this protective effect, and the precise mechanisms involved. This project will address these questions using newly identified compounds in human iPSC-derived cell models. We will apply innovative methods to uncover the molecular mechanisms through which non-neuronal cell signalling allows the clearance of neuronal tangles and explore how these mechanisms affect wider interactions between neurons and other brain cells.

Lead Supervisor

Professor Wendy Noble

Lead Supervisor Email

w.noble2@exeter.ac.uk

University Affiliation

Exeter