Applications of advanced single-cell genomic technologies to characterize the role of microglia and their cellular interactions in neurodegenerative diseases (A03)

• Subject Area: Molecular and Cellular Neurology and Neuropathology
• Term: since 2017
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 259373024

Microglia, the resident immune cells of the central nervous system, play an important role inneurodegeneration. We have recently described and characterized a novel microglia type associatedwith neurodegenerative diseases (DAM), which is activated via Trem2 signaling and has the potentialto restrict neurodegeneration. DAM are a universal immune sensor of neurodegeneration, hencestudying the DAM signaling and mechanism of activation and checkpoints is crucial for identifyingtarget cell types and target molecules for therapeutic manipulation for treating neurodegenerativediseases.

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios
• Subproject of: TRR 167: Development, function and potential of myeloid cells in the central nervous system (NeuroMac)
• International Connection: Israel
• Applicant Institution: Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Ido Amit, Ph.D.; Dr. Hadas Keren-Shaul, since 1/2021