Activity-dependent neuronal Ca2+ signaling and its role in aging and Parkinson’s disease (A02)

• Subject Area: Experimental Models for the Understanding of Nervous System Diseases ; Molecular Biology and Physiology of Neurons and Glial Cells
• Term: since 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 450627322

The progressive loss of dopaminergic Substantia nigra neurons is a feature of the aging brain, and causes the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s (PD). We will analyse the interfaces of electrical activity, Ca2+ homeostasis, and metabolic stress, in context of the differential neuronal vulnerability in PD. We propose that neurons that can alter their activity mode and reduce metabolic stress, e.g. via adaptive ion channel and/or Ca2+ signalling, are more resistant to degenerative stressors. We aim to reveal novel resilience mechanisms that protect neurons from age-dependent degeneration in PD and beyond.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1506: Aging at Interfaces
• Applicant Institution: Universität Ulm
• Project Head: Professorin Dr. Birgit Liss