Homeostatic Neuroprotection

Neurodegenerative diseases are progressive, and synapse loss typically precedes later stages of cognitive and motor decline. We still don’t have a clear understanding on what mediates progression and if there are normal physiological mechanisms that prevent it. This project proposes a new model for how homeostatic plasticity in the nervous system may act as a “break” that normally opposes the early synapse loss and progression of neurodegeneration, which could reveal new mechanisms and strategies for slowing or reversing progression of ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases.

This project was selected for the second phase of the Collaborative Pairs RFA.