Chemogenomics Systems Pharmacology Approach for TBI and AD Research
Abstract
Alzheimer s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia. It is a condition associated with memory loss (particularly episodic memory), a slow decline in cognitive ability, and behavioral and physical disability, ultimately resulting in death. Military personnel and other individuals who suffer from traumatic brain injury (TBI) face an increased risk for developing several long-term health problems including AD-like dementia, aggression, memory loss, depression, and symptoms similar to those of AD. So far, no medication is approved to halt the progression of the initial injury to the secondary injury. It is very critical to develop alternative new methods and medications for TBI. A team of scientists and clinicians from University of Pittsburgh and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center plans to address this challenge by applying computational approaches, animal models and clinical data analysis to find the mechanisms that cause TBI to lead to AD. First, we will build a database to collect and share the information of TBI and AD molecular mechanisms; second, we will identify key processes and drugs that can modulate these diseases for potential therapeutic usage; and third, we will conduct experimental validation and clinical data analysis. Our research will have the potential to find new drug targets, or even discover new uses for already-approved drugs, for the treatment of TBI. This research will reduce the burden on affected individuals and caregivers, especially in the military and Veteran communities.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jan 31, 2017
- Source ID
- W81XWH1610490
Entities
People
- Xiang-Qun Xie
Organizations
- United States Army
- University of Pittsburgh