VD&NVD · Vascular Dementia: revealing the detrimental synergy between hypertension, micro-strokes and Neuro-Vascular Decoupling
FP7 — People (Marie Curie Actions)
- Duration
- 2013-09-01 → 2017-08-31
- EU contribution
- €100,000
- Participants
- 1
- Scheme
- MC-CIG
Lines connect the coordinator with its partners.
Results in brief
Vascular Dementia: revealing the detrimental synergy between hypertension, micro-strokes and Neuro-Vascular Decoupling
My career integration grant started in September 2013 and focuses on the effect on vascular pathologies such as hypertension on brain function and particularly on the link between neurons and blood vessels, a key physiological process termed neurovascular coupling. As part of the support from the CIG, I have established a state-of-the-art multiphoton imaging laboratory, equipped with dedicated laser and surgery room. I have formed a solid multidisciplinary research group, including post-doctorates, PhD and MsC students. During the first two years of the CIG grant I have participated in the publication a review article and a technical book chapter. The work performed by my research group enabled me to gather preliminary data which greatly aided in receiving funding from prestigious funding sources: I have recently received and ERC-starter grant, a “transformative” science grant from the US-Israel Bi-national Science Foundation (only two such project are awarded annually), a personal research grant from the Israeli Science Foundation. In addition, I am part of a Leduq Foundation Trans-Atlantic Network of Excellence team lead by high-ranking figures in the Neuroscience and Cardiovascular research. In my extramural activities, I am involved in public outreach activities through Tel Aviv University, private organizations and personal volunteering. I have actively maintained my contacts abroad and established new collaborations in Europe and the USA. I hope that within the next two years my academic file will be strong enough to apply for tenure.
Data: CORDIS, © European Union
Project objective
Research in recent years has started to provide an alternative view to Alzheimer's etiology emphasizing the role of other factors such as inflammation and brain vascular alterations in the development of Alzheimer. Of major interest is the link between AD and hypertension, another global epidemic affecting millions of people worldwide. Hypertension resultsin increased stiffness of the brain vasculature leading, among others, to chronic cerebral hypoperfusion. Little is known about the short and long-term consequences of such hypoperfusion on neuronal dynamics. Hypoperfusion alters the function of the blood brain barrier; a cellular ensemble that actively keeps at bay pathogens and alike from entering the brain parenchyma. Amyloid and its products are under strict control across this barrier. Hence, damage to the barrier results in their accumulation in the brain parenchyma, which likely contributes to neuronal dysfunction and dementia. This recently recognized tight association between AD and hypertension opens new venues for both basic and translational researchwith the promise to better understand and likely treat these two maladies together.
Original text from CORDIS.
Participants
- TEL AVIV UNIVERSITY · Tel AvivCoordinatorIsrael
Links
Data: CORDIS, © European Union