Investigating the Plasticity and Role of Microglia in Brain Aging
Aging is a major risk factor for cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases. However, the mechanisms underlying brain aging, and the extent to which they are driven systemically or by dysfunction of specific cell populations- remains unclear. Dr. Sahasrabuddhe is investigating the role of microglia, the resident immune cells of the central nervous system, for brain aging. Aging is associated with progressive changes in all cell types. Amongst brain cells, some of the earliest and most prominent changes are observed in microglia. Dr. Sahasrabuddhe will use microglia transplantation approach to determine whether microglia aging is a cause or a consequence of brain aging. Evaluating the outcomes of microglia transplantation across ages will provide key insights into how microglia contribute to brain aging and may provide valuable therapeutic insights.
