Project 458516

Alzheimer's disease is a devastating illness which results in memory loss, inability to think clearly and other abnormalities. Specialized cells in the brain, called ependymal cells, begin to accumulate metabolic waste before Alzheimer's symptoms present themselves. These ependymal cells regulate the stem cells in our brain, which are responsible for maintaining the overall brain health. Here, we want to understand if the availability of glucose, the main source of energy in ependymal cells, affects the overall health of the brain. We will examine if ependymal cell damage leads to Alzheimer's disease symptoms, such as memory problems and cognitive decline. To study the effects of glucose availability in ependymal cells, we will restrict glucose intake specifically in ependymal cells in mice using genetic tools. Using microscopy and behavioral tests, we will then determine the impact on their memory and the overall health of the brain. We expect that disrupting ependymal cell function in mice will lead to similar symptoms observed in Alzheimer's disease. This would allow us to design and test specific therapies that can target ependymal cell metabolism, thereby improving the symptoms observed due to ependymal cell dysfunction.