New thesis about novel approach to treat Alzheimer's disease
Hi there, Lorena Galán-Acosta, PhD student at the Division of Neurogeriatrics! On June 17 you will defend your thesis “Recombinant BRICHOS domains delivered over the blood-brain barrier : a possible way to treat Alzheimer's disease”. What is the main focus of your thesis?
Despite decades of research on Alzheimer's disease, there is still no effective way to cure or stop the disease progression. The main goal of my thesis has been to explore the potential of the molecular chaperone BRICHOS domain as a therapeutic candidate for Alzheimer's disease.
Which are the most important results?
Our main findings show that the anti-amyloid BRICHOS can reach the brain parenchyma in mice and that we can improve its uptake across the blood-brain barrier. Furthermore, our studies on Alzheimer's disease mouse models show that recombinant BRICHOS domains has positive effects on the pathology.
How can this new knowledge contribute to the improvement of people’s health?
This thesis shows, for the first time, the potential of using recombinant BRICHOS domains, at a preclinical stage, as a drug candidate for Alzheimer's disease. Our work supports for further investigations of BRICHOS domains as a new strategy particularly for Alzheimer's disease.
What's in the future for you? Will you keep on conducting research?
I have always been curious and interested in neuroscience, especially in how to bring closer research findings into practice to improve health. In the future I would like to continue working in the field of neuroscience and the discovery of tools that could translate into successful therapies