Gut-brain axis in aging and Alzheimer's disease
The main goal of this research line is to evaluate the role of dietary interventions through functional foods in counteracting aging signs and delaying/slowing-down the onset and progression of age-associated diseases like Alzheimer’s disease. Studies highlight and dissect how treatments modulate the gut-brain axis and the interplay between the microbiota and the host, focusing on the secretome and extracellular vesicles. Evaluation of the intestinal permeability and adsorption is performed. Biochemical-clinical parameters and gut hormones levels are detected. Treatment ability to specifically modulate gut microbiota composition is evaluated through 16S rRNA sequencing. Quantitative and qualitative analysis of short-chain fatty acids in feces of treated subjects is executed. The research is also focused on the evaluation of protein aggregates and deposits in aged and diseased brain, of the functionality of proteolytic pathways, including the proteasomal system and autophagy, inflammatory and oxidative processes, main contributors to aging and age-related disorders. Lipid and glucose metabolisms as well as energy homeostasis are investigated. Studies are performed both on in vitro and in vivo models (cell cultures and animal models, respectively) using immunomethods, spectrofluorimetric assays, GC-MS, confocal and fluorescent microscopy.
Keywords - ENGLISH
Aging, Alzheimer’s disease, microbiota, proteolysis, inflammation, oxidation
Active participants in the research line (PI last author or *)
Laura Bonfili; Valentina Cecarini; Massimiliano Cuccioloni; Anna Maria Eleuteri
External Collaborations
Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, University of Brescia; San Raffaele Open University, Roma; CEINGE Biotecnologie avanzate, Napoli; Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Louisiana State University; Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, TEXAS AandM University
Pillar
Human Health
Macroareas in Human Health
Biology of health and disease
Relevant research grants (national/international) funding specifically this Research Line
PRIN 2022 – ORPHEA, Combined effect of gamma-oryzanol and probiotics in counteracting the hallmarks of pathological aging; NextGenerationEU – program “MUR-Fondo Promozione e Sviluppo - D.M. 737/2021”: PROTECTIVE, Design and development of probiotic and prebiotic functional cookies to counteract cognitive decline”.
Email Address
valentina.cecarini@unicam.it
Link to Relevant Publications