Uncovering the biochemical basis for age-dependent myelin loss. Myelin is a fatty substance wrapped tightly around our nerves, providing electrical insulation and metabolic support that are essential

Description

Uncovering the biochemical basis for age-dependent myelin loss. Myelin is a fatty substance wrapped tightly around our nerves, providing electrical insulation and metabolic support that are essential for nervous system function. Myelin is a pillar of humans’ advanced cognitive abilities but is lost with ageing, causing a decline in cognitive and physical abilities. This project aims to solve the mystery of why vertebrates lose myelin with ageing, using innovative mass spectrometry methods. Specifically, the project will determine if the generation of new myelin decreases and break-down of existing myelin increases with ageing, and identify the cell types mediating normal myelin turnover with ageing. This will create a technical and knowledge platform to fuel advances in healthy and productive lifespan.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 3209 - Neurosciences. Lead: Prof Anthony Don