Synaptic aging as a “physiological synaptopathy” (A01)

• Subject Area: Molecular Biology and Physiology of Neurons and Glial Cells
• Term: since 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 450627322

Our aim is to investigate how aging alters synapses and how synaptic disruption contributes to the development of neurodegeneration-like phenotypes upon aging. Indeed, aged individuals display a strongly reduced number of synapses and aging is the major risk factor for the development of neurodegenerative disorders. To that end, we will monitor the synaptic alterations over time in controls as well as in defined models with the aim to better define synaptic aging and to identify druggable targets involved in the loss of synapses and neurons.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1506: Aging at Interfaces
• Applicant Institution: Universität Ulm
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Tobias Böckers; Privatdozent Dr. Alberto Catanese, Ph.D.