UMCG’s ERIBA joins forces with the UK MSD Discovery Centre for boosting resilience to age-related neurodegeneration
UMCG’s ERIBA joins forces with the UK MSD Discovery Centre for boosting resilience to age-related neurodegeneration
Researchers from the UMCG European Institute of Biological Ageing (ERIBA) recently started a collaboration with the MSD Discovery Centre in London. Together they will investigate the origin of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s diseases. This biomedical research project includes 1,7 million euro of which 1,3 million is funded by MSD and the Public Private Partnership allowance from Health Holland.
Age-related neurodegeneration
Medical solutions to treat age-related neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease, are urgently needed. The number of people suffering from neurodegenerative diseases is increasing rapidly, due to ageing of the world population. By 2050, the number of people suffering from neurodegenerative diseases is expected to increase to over 100 million cases worldwide. Apart from the emotional burden on patients and their families, these numbers will severely impact our society both socially and economically. According to the World Alzheimer report of 2015, the cost of dementia will exceed 2 trillion dollars in 2030
Combining expertise
Ageing is the major risk factor for neurodegeneration. Using a worm model for neurodegenerative diseases, scientists from European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing (ERIBA) of the UMCG in Groningen discovered that blocking tryptophan metabolism protects against ageing and the toxicity of neurodegenerative-disease proteins. The enzymes and metabolites involved in tryptophan degradation in worms are nearly identical to those in humans. Researchers from ERIBA and the MSD Discovery Centre in London will therefore combine their expertise in worm biology and human pharmacology to elucidate mechanisms and develop screening tools to explore possible interventions for human application.
Develop preventive interventions
To stop neurodegeneration, we aim to develop preventive interventions that boost resilience to neurodegeneration and cure people before they get ill. To develop such treatments, innovative tools and approaches will be needed that allow for the detection of age-related biological changes that precede neurodegeneration. Here we use the tiny, short-lived, and transparent worm C.elegans, to control and visualize changes in tryptophan metabolism in living and ageing animals. We will use our models to map early changes, elucidate modifying mechanisms and screen for modifying compounds to stop the development of neurodegeneration. We will deliver screening tools and mechanisms for the development of preventive interventions in humans to treat age-related neurodegenerative diseases before they arise.
Future collaborations
sees opportunities for future collaborations with the MSD Discovery Centre because both institutes focus on preventive biomedical solutions based on biology of ageing.
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