Targeting dopamine neuronal loss in a model of Alzheimer's Disease

Project objectives

Recent clinical and experimental studies have highlighted the involvement of dopaminergic neurons of the Ventral Tegmental Area (VTA) for the early pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the causes of this neurodegeneration are still unknown. The objectives of this project are to describe the molecular mechanisms underlying dopaminergic neurodegeneration and to find a pharmacological treatment to block and/or postpone the death of dopaminergic neurons of the VTA and the associated functional and behavioral alterations.

Start and end date

July 2018 - June 2021

Project Manager

Prof. Marcello D'Amelio, Coordinator

Coordinating institution of the project

Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma

Other Institutions involved

IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome

Funding source

Alzheimer's Association (USA)

Economic value of the project

$ 150.000