Regional differences in microglial lysosome function: implications for microglial aging and cognitive decline
Dr. De Biase studies glial cells, the non-neuronal cells within the central nervous system. Research has shown that these cells can critically influence the health and function of surrounding neurons. This raises the exciting possibility that changes in glial cell function are central determinants of changes in neuronal function and vulnerability during aging. Dr. De Biase will explore the role that glial cells play during aging and identify ways that we could extend human health span and prevent disease by manipulating these cells. Dr. De Biase’s lab studies a particular population of glial cells called microglia. Only recently have we begun to appreciate how different these cells are in different regions of the brain and Dr. De Biase’s research suggests that there are also important differences in how microglia in distinct brain regions respond during aging. This regional variation in microglial aging could have a critical impact on neuronal health and make some populations of neurons particularly susceptible to neurodegenerative disease. By identifying what makes microglia in distinct brain regions "age" differently, we may be able to design interventions that will help protect vulnerable populations of neurons.
