Targeting Inflammation As A Biomarker And Treatment For Alzheimer's Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$718,920.00
Summary
We are undertaking the challenge of using and developing novel animal models in parallel with studies on affected human subjects to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms linking the changes in inflammation to amyloid plaques, neurofibrillary tangles and cognitive decline. Understanding these mechanisms will allow us to define the biological pathways involved in the onset and progression of Alzheimer’s disease, and identify potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
Il-18 helps to prevent obesity and type 2 diabetes, however the process by which this cytokine is activated to prevent obesity is not known. We have now found the pathway that drives to this process. This project will seek to extend our observations to show how this can be targeted therapeutically to treat obesity and type 2 diabetes.