Page 92 - Annual Report 2018
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models of Alzheimer's disease (AD). To do this, once the in vitro results have been obtained, to
we will analyze AD biomarker levels in blood, carry out a complete study in vivo.
related to the main changes that appear in the The development of a new model 2-3D in vitro
brain in animals with AD and in different disease to study neurodegenerative pathology,
stages (starting from the prodromal state). For especially in AD, is mandatory in the
this we have established 7 experimental groups understanding of the pathophysiological
(2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 12 and 15 months-old animals) pathways involved in the disease and could
according to the presymptomatic and lead to an advance in drug development and
postsymptomatic characterization of AD in subsequent treatment of this disorder
these animals. Additionally, we have
standardized a non-invasive method of taking 2. Interdisciplinary training network on the
plasma samples from the different age groups purinergic P2X7 receptor to control
of AD transgenic mice. This non-invasive blood neuroinflammation and hyperexcitability in
collection protocol was optimized and cross- brain diseases - PurinesDX
validated with other researchers in the field.
We have also carried out several PurinesDX encompasses global leaders in
immunocytochemical and translational research on purinergic signaling,
immunohistochemical analyzes to examine clinical specialists in a wide range of brain
the specific load of beta-amyloid (Aβ) plaques disorders and industry partners specializing in the
in correlation with neuroinflammation and drug development and biomarkers. Throughout
neurogenesis during the progression of this first year of the PurinesDX Project, we have
pathology both in cortical and the focused on the study of the P2X7 receptor status
hippocampal areas. Next, we have in patients with Huntington's disease in relation
pre-validated, in collaboration with other to its messenger RNA isoforms and protein levels.
laboratories members of the consortium, Regarding the activities related to
possible biomarkers that will finally be interdisciplinary training, our Early Stage
validated using technology based on the Researchers (ESR) have participated in several
use of biosensors. meetings and symposia in which they improve
As an added value, we have analyzed in vitro the collaborations with the other participants of
neurogenesis in 2D cultures, and also in vivo. We the consortium. Starting in April, we attended
have managed to establish primary cultures the Introduction Program and the Mini-
from our prodromal animal model and also in Symposium on Nervous Diseases: New
late stages. One of the main challenges in this Approaches in Diagnosis and Therapeutics. Our
regard is to find in vitro and in vivo the ESR also participated in the First Transferable
relationship between neurogenesis and the Skills Course where they were able to learn
appearance of biomarkers. In addition, about statistics, the importance of social
we are using new neuroprotective agents networking in research and scientific writing
developed in the laboratory to discover how to skills, among others. In October, we attended
improve the progression of the disease in the PurinesDX Project Follow up Meeting where
preclinical models of Alzheimer's disease. We the EU commission reviewed our work during the
are currently performing an in vitro analysis of first months of project execution. Our ESR also
factors involved in such neuroprotection for participated in the Second Transferable Skills
CIEN Foundation Annual Report 2018 / 92
