Determining Mechanistic Links Between Traumatic Brain Injury, Stress Response, and Neurodegeneration
Abstract
There is strong epidemiological evidence that TBI precedes many neurodegenerative conditions including chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Many TBI-related injuries occur during an individual’s youth and manifest as neurodegeneration later in life. TBI-induced neurodegeneration has become a critical healthcare concern in the developed world, and yet the factors that drive TBI-induced neurodegeneration are largely unknown. The goals of this collaborative research team are to understand the mechanism(s) underlying TBI-induced neurodegeneration. To accomplish these goals, we will use animal models of FTD and TBI. We will test the hypothesis that TBI accelerates FTD-related neurodegeneration through a mechanism involving impaired stress response. Understanding the molecular processes that drive TBI-induced neurodegeneration will be important for developing therapies for these disorders. Indeed, our studies are designed to identify factors that may protect against TBI-induced neurodegeneration and therefore serve as therapeutic targets. Our studies are also designed to identify factors that become dysregulated as a function of TBI and FTD pathogenesis. These outcomes will help us understand how TBI contributes to neurodegeneration and will help design strategies for preventing these disorders. Ultimately, our work is expected to translate into therapies to treat individuals with TBI-induced dementia (i.e., FTD) and will therefore benefit them as well as their families and caregivers.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Mar 10, 2021
- Source ID
- W81XWH2010271
Entities
People
- Daryl Bosco
Organizations
- United States Army
- University of Massachusetts Medical School