Metaflammation-induced acceleration of neurodegeneration (P15)

• Subject Area: Molecular and Cellular Neurology and Neuropathology ; Immunology
• Term: from 2021 to 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 432325352

Midlife obesity is a well-established risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This project will test whether Western diet-induced metaflammation activates microglia and can thereby induce cerebral inflammation that drives AD like pathology. We aim to analyse the underlying mechanisms and signal transduction pathways, in particular, the central and peripheral activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Our planned studies range from single cell analysis to 2-photon laser scanning in vivo analysis. To translate our findings, we will analyse the participants of the Rhineland Study. Our study will thus allow identifying patients at risk, and it will provide new therapeutic targets.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1454: Metaflammation and Cellular Programming
• Applicant Institution: Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn
• Project Head: Professor Dr. Michael Thomas Heneka