Targeting Memory Circuits as a Therapeutic Strategy in Alzheimer’s Disease

Project Summary

The HYPOTHESIS of this project is that altered gene programs in specific neurons disrupts neural circuits leading to memory loss in Alzheimer’s disease. The OBJECTIVES of the project are: (1) To identify neuronal circuits and gene programs contributing to early amyloid/tau pathology and memory loss in AD, and (2) to modulate the activity of specific neurons to reverse or ameliorate pathological, transcriptional programs and memory changes in Alzheimer’s disease. 

This project will apply pharmacogenetics and gene therapy approaches as novel experimental tools to activate neural circuits and ameliorate pathology and behavioral changes in novel state-of-the art Alzheimer’s disease mouse models. This study is designed to make a significant step forward knowledge on the earliest causes of memory loss in Alzheimer’s disease. The use of novel and powerful cutting-edge research techniques will allow unprecedented thorough investigation of novel molecular pathways while development of experimental therapies based on neuronal activation could be useful for brain regenerative therapies in Alzheimer’s disease preclinical phases. New non-classical therapies will greatly impact on life style and quality of our society, specially for those suffering from AD.