Grant: Doctoral Research Award: Canada Graduate Scholarships

Fats are essential for normal cell function but too much fat inside cells can be toxic. To avoid toxicity from fat accumulation, cells can transport fats to other cell types. This process is important in the brain which contains a lot of fat. Brain cells called neurons transport fat to other cells called glia that are better able to make use of the extra fat. Problems in fat release by neurons occur in many diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and stroke. The mechanisms that control fat release by neurons are unknown. My project will determine how neurons release fat and what happens when fat accumulates within them. I will also determine if drugs that increase fat release can improve neuron health. To perform this study, I will image brain cells grown in a dish using state-of-the art microscopes. My study will provide a better understanding of how fat transport in the brain works. It will shed light on how fat contributes to neurodegenerative diseases. And finally, I hope to identify drugs that reduce fat buildup in neurons that could one day be used to prevent neurodegeneration.