The foundation of Dr. Priscilla Chan and Mark Zuckerberg supports tests that investigate the influence of the Alzheimer risk gene APOE4 in a novel tissue system.
In order to understand the role of risk genes in the development of Alzheimer's dementia, a test system is needed that resembles the human brain as close as possible. Animal experiments often fail to do this. Dr. Deborah Kronenberg-Versteeg from HIH and Dr. Henner Koch from RWTH Aachen University have developed a tool that meets this requirement. The researchers use human brain tissue obtained during the surgical removal of an epilepsy focus and then bring this brain tissue into contact with glial cells that carry the risk gene APOE4 or the protective variant APOE2. With this they achieve two goals. The brain tissue still has its correct three-dimensional structure and can receive and send signals. It is therefore a good model of the intact brain. And they can study the influence of the glial cells and their various risk genes. Glial cells are part of the brain's immune system and through their malfunction contribute to the development of Alzheimer's dementia. The glial cells are derived from stem cells by directing their differentiation in the appropriate direction. The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative is initially funding the project with $150,000. Successful pilots will be eligible to apply for additional four-year project development grants.
Copyright: Deborah Kronenberg-Versteeg / Privat
More information:
Deborah Kronenberg-Versteeg, PhD
Alexander von Humboldt Research Fellow
Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research
Otfried-Mueller Str 27
72076 Tuebingen
Germany
phone: +49 (0)7071 29 81924
deborah.kronenberg-versteeg@uni-tuebingen.de
Links to information from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative:
