Grant: Project Grant

Gangliosides are lipid molecules highly enriched in the healthy brain that play important roles in the communication among cells. During ageing and in certain neurodegenerative diseases, levels of gangliosides decrease and contribute to brain dysfunction. Administration of one ganglioside named GM1 has great therapeutic effects in mouse models of Huntington's disease (HD), a neurodegenerative disorder that, like Alzheimer's (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) is caused by the accumulation of a toxic protein in the brain. We will investigate the underlying mechanisms with a focus on how GM1 affects the communication between brain cells, brain inflammation and cellular disposal of toxic proteins. Our studies will help determining whether GM1 or similar molecules could be a novel treatment not only for HD but also potentially for AD and PD.