Neurobiology

The Neurobiology division (groups led by  Prof. Dr. Roland Brandt and Dr. Lidia Bakota) investigates the development and degeneration of nerve cells at the molecular, cellular and systemic levels. A significant part of the work focuses on Alzheimer's disease, with the aim of developing the basis for new therapeutic approaches.

Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia in older people. When nerve cells in the brain die, those affected become increasingly forgetful, confused and disoriented. It is estimated that one in three people over the age of 80 suffer from this disease today.

The causes of Alzheimer’s disease

The pathological clumping of two molecules is considered to be the cause of the disease. The clumping of one of these molecules, known as the amyloid beta fragment, leads to the formation of senile plaques, which form outside the nerve cells in the brain. The second clumping consists of tau molecules. This leads to the formation of so-called Alzheimer's fibrils, which form inside the nerve cells. It is now believed that Alzheimer's fibrils in particular are responsible for the death of nerve cells and the typical symptoms of the disease. One approach to treating Alzheimer's disease or even preventing its onset could be to prevent the formation of Alzheimer's fibrils or to dissolve them.

Alzheimer's in a Petri dish

In order to find potential drugs that prevent the formation of Alzheimer's fibrils or dissolve existing ones, we are working on cell culture systems in which the fibrils typical of the disease are formed. To this end, we cultivate nerve cells that have been modified using molecular genetic methods so that they form Alzheimer's fibrils. Using modern microscopy techniques, the nerve cells can be observed alive under the microscope. This allows us to track the fate of the nerve cells over a longer period of time and identify substances that prolong the survival of the cells.

Identification of new substances with the potential to prevent Alzheimer's fibril formation

In a research network funded by the European Union and in close collaboration with working groups in Milan (Italy), Modena (Italy) and Paris (France), we have successfully used our methods to identify new candidate molecules that have the potential to prevent the formation of Alzheimer's fibrils. Our current goal is to further optimise these substances, including using nerve cells derived from human stem cells, so that they can ultimately be used in patients.