Can astrocyte cells protect nerve cells from damage?

Lead Investigator: Professor Michael Ashford
Institution: The University of Dundee
Grant type: PhD
Duration: 3 years
Amount: 75,000
Scientific Title: Astrocyte regulation of neuronal function: analysing their contribution to oxidative and metabolic stress in neurodegeneration

What do we already know?

Astrocytes are a type of brain cell that control which substances enter the brain in blood, and are also important for reducing damage to cells caused by a natural process called oxidation. Oxidation has been linked to the accumulation of the amyloid-beta and tau proteins, hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease. It is possible that damage to astrocytes in Alzheimer's is linked to the damage to nerve cells. 

What does this project involve?

Professor Ashford will supervise a PhD student to examine whether astrocytes protect nerve cells by reacting to damage and releasing anti-oxidant chemicals. The project will also test whether specific chemical hormones, such as insulin, can trigger this response in mouse or human brain cells grown in the laboratory.

How will this benefit people with dementia?

This research will provide important knowledge about the protective effects of astrocytes and their role in Alzheimer's. If successful, this could be the basis of an exciting new direction for future treatments to protect against the disease.