Functions of extracellular vesicle mediated signalling from blood to brain in neurodegenerative diseases

• Applicant: Dr. Stefan Momma, Ph.D.
• Subject Area: Molecular and Cellular Neurology and Neuropathology
• Term: from 2010 to 2020
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 174963579

The aim of the proposed research is to explore the extent and function of extracellular vesicle (EV)-mediated signalling from blood to brain in neurodegenerative diseases. This will be done with a focus on substantia nigra (SN) dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the context of systemic inflammation and DA neuron degeneration. Mechanistically, we want to address the fundamental question of whether and how miRNAs that are transferred by EVs impact on the cellular functions of target cells. We hypothesize that EV signalling from blood to brain influences the survival or vulnerability of DA neurons in response to pathological conditions, and that this is therefore an important regulator in the aetiology of neurodegenerative diseases. To achieve the objectives requires the three major tasks to be carried out:I. The analysis and comparison of the extent of the intercellular EV-mediated signalling from blood to brain under conditions of systemic inflammation and DA neuron degeneration.II. The analysis of cellular changes in DA neurons induced by haematopoietic EVs.III. A mechanistic analysis of the role of miRNAs transferred from blood to neurons by EVs in regulating cellular processes.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants