Optogenetic Stimulation of dopaminergic neurons of Ventral Tegmental Area restores hippocampal GABAergic transmission in the Tg2576 mouse model of Alzheimer's Disease

Project objectives

Prodromal neuronal hyperexcitability of epileptiform activity may contribute to the early noncognitive symptoms of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and drive disease progression. These symptoms correlate with alterations in the rhythmic activity generated by interneurons. To date, the link between hippocampal hyperexcitability and disease progression has not been thoroughly investigated. Dopamine, which is reduced from the early stages of AD, is a neurotransmitter crucial for neuronal function. The aim of this project is to study hippocampal hyperexcitability and evaluate whether it can be modulated by dopaminergic tone to prevent interneuron deficits and therefore the onset of hyperexcitability observed in experimental AD models.

Start and end date

January 2022 - January 2023

Project Manager

Dr. Elena Spoleti, Coordinator

Coordinating institution of the project

Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma

Other Institutions involved

IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome

Funding source

Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma

Economic value of the project

€ 25.000