Abnormal Metabolic states, cellular stressors and NeuroDegenerative processes

The project aims to study the cellular and molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration associated with metabolic disorders, a highly prevalent condition in the elderly, which can be modified through preventive interventions focused on lifestyle. We will try to identify new biomarkers and determine whether drugs affecting the molecular mechanisms of senescence may have a protective effect on the onset of neurodegeneration. The project will be developed along two lines of analysis: cell/preclinical models and clinical setting. The technological component of the consortium will develop innovative, miniaturized and highly automated methods for the study of biomarkers in order to facilitate their validation and use in the clinical setting

The project involves seven CNR Institutes in Lombardy, 6 belonging to the Dept. of Biomedical Sciences and one to the Department of Chemical Sciences and Materials Technologies, and will establish an integrated methodology and technology platform with a broad range of competencies (molecular and cellular biology, biochemistry, immunology, bioinformatics, imaging, clinics) for the analysis, in a translational perspective, of the mechanisms through which IR and metabolic abnormalities, prevalent conditions in the elderly, lead to neurodegeneration. The Institutes are affiliated to the Lombard Cluster of Life Sciences, and the project coordinator is member of the Cluster Executive Board.