The Role of CCL11 in Aging-Associated Microglial Reactivity
Aging is associated with cognitive decline and is a major risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s Disease. Pioneering blood exchange and plasma transfer studies recently revealed that the relative abundance of pro-aging and regenerative factors in our blood changes as we age, and manipulation of such factors represents a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of aging-associated diseases. Activation of immune cells known as microglia in the aging brain contributes to cognitive decline. Dr. Kang’s research aims to define how soluble pro-aging factors in the circulation drive brain aging by impacting microglial functions. To do so, she will characterize microglia in young, middle-aged and old mice and determine how their activation during aging affects their function. A better understanding of the mechanisms underlying microglial aging could pave the way for novel clinical interventions targeting microglia to slow or reverse brain aging and neurodegeneration.
