Impact of amyloid beta on microglia-mediated synaptic plasticity in the rodent and human cortex (B14*)

• Subject Area: Molecular Biology and Physiology of Neurons and Glial Cells ; Experimental Models for the Understanding of Nervous System Diseases ; Molecular and Cellular Neurology and Neuropathology
• Term: since 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 259373024

Microglia play a crucial role in modulating synaptic plasticity, acting as regulators of synaptic change and stability in the central nervous system (CNS). Significant knowledge gaps exist regarding the properties of synaptic plasticity-associated microglia especially in the adult human cortex. Our aim is to investigate microglial interactions with pyramidal neurons in both physiological and pathological conditions with a focus on amyloid-β (Aβ) in mouse and human cortical tissue. Collaborating within the CRC/TRR, our goal is to achieve a comprehensive molecular understanding of synaptic plasticity-associated microglia and their potential link to Alzheimer’s disease-associated microglia states.

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios
• Subproject of: TRR 167: Development, function and potential of myeloid cells in the central nervous system (NeuroMac)
• Applicant Institution: Technische Universität München (TUM)
• Project Heads: Professorin Dr. Melanie Meyer-Luehmann, since 1/2025; Professor Dr. Andreas Vlachos