Unlocking the secrets of neurodegenerative diseases: How artificial neurons can help find new treatments
This project is working towards a breakthrough in finding new drugs for neurodegenerative diseases, including dementia, Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis (MS) and Parkinson's disease. The project uses a cutting-edge testing model that mimics human neurons, designed by Prof. Moeendarbary, with micropillars made from a hydrogel-like material.
Creating an accurate and safe drug testing platform to accelerate the cure for neurodegenerative diseases.
Expected impact
This technology is designed to help quickly test and find new drugs for problems with myelin in neurodegenerative diseases.
The significance of this project lies in its potential to address the substantial and growing impact of dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases. Dementia stands as the leading cause of death in the UK, and finding effective treatments is a high priority. Neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's, MS and Parkinson's Disease, have far-reaching consequences on individuals, their families, and the broader society. This project aims to greatly contribute to both the understanding and the treatment of these complex conditions.
The project's innovative approach, using an advanced testing model with hydrogel-based micropillars, offers a promising avenue for accelerated drug testing processes. The customisability of these micropillars, allowing precise adjustments in crucial parameters, is not only groundbreaking but by better replicating neurons is also essential to testing drugs more effectively. The focus on myelin and remyelination addresses a critical aspect of neurodegenerative diseases, potentially leading to advancements in treatments: if successful, the project’s findings have the potential to reduce the frequency of new drugs failing during clinical trials – a common challenge in drug development.
In a societal context, funding this project aligns with the imperative to tackle a pressing global health concern. Dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases pose not only a medical challenge but also a significant economic burden. Supporting innovative research endeavours is essential for developing effective strategies to improve the lives of those affected, and alleviating the broader societal and economic consequences of these conditions. This project stands to advance medical knowledge, enhance healthcare outcomes, and ultimately have a positive impact on individuals and households affected by neurodegenerative diseases
Another commendable aspect of this project lies in its potential to significantly reduce the reliance on animal testing in the development and testing of drugs. By employing an advanced “in-vitro” model of neurons, the project provides a sophisticated alternative which mimics human neuronal features. This approach allows researchers to assess the effects of potential drugs more accurately using human cells, mitigating the ethical concerns associated with animal testing. The reduction of animal testing aligns with contemporary principles of ethical research, promoting a more humane and responsible approach to scientific research. As the project progresses, its success in offering a viable and effective alternative to traditional animal testing methods could mark a substantial step forward in advancing medical research practices that fall within the guidelines proposed by the UK’s National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement & Reduction of Animals in Research. In the US, the FDA Modernization Act 2.0 has also paved the way for in-vitro testing to replace animal testing in clinical trials.
Project summary
Understanding remyelination is crucial for developing treatments for conditions where myelin is damaged, which happens as certain neurodegenerative diseases develop.
Significance
In 2022, the UK’s leading cause of death was dementia, accounting for over 74,000 deaths1. Over a million people suffer with dementia every year in the UK, and an estimated 42,500 people are diagnosed with young onset dementia2.
While current treatments may relieve some of the physical or mental symptoms of dementia, there is not yet any capability to slow down their progression, and no cures exist. The technology developed through this project will allow researchers to efficiently test new drugs to assess whether they can help with remyelination. Developing a tool to test potential medicines faster and more effectively for conditions where the neurons lose their protective layer will speed up the discovery of new treatments for these devastating diseases.
What is dementia?
Dementia is a broad term encompassing symptoms associated with a decline in memory and cognitive abilities, which interfere with daily life and can be terminal. The degradation of myelin around neurons is involved in conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, Parkinson's disease, and MS, all of which affect the central nervous system, and are grouped together under the label of dementia. With the UK’s ageing population, dementia poses a significant public health concern – globally, over 10 million new cases are reported each year3.
What is myelin?
Myelin is a substance which forms a protective sheath around neuronal fibres in the brain and spinal cord (the central nervous system)4. This wrapping allows nerve impulses to travel quickly across nerves. Myelin can undergo age-related changes: for example, undergoing structural alterations. Thinning and degradation of the myelin can lead to slower nerve conduction and communication between neurons5. This can have varying effects on an individual, impacting both sensory and motor functions: impaired coordination and reaction time; decreased sensation; cognitive impacts such as reduced memory and processing speed, attention and concentration; muscle weakness; balance issues; and pain and discomfort.
Demyelination refers to the degradation of myelin, and demyelinating diseases occur when myelin is damaged6. When demyelination occurs scar tissue may form in its place, meaning that brain signals cannot pass through as quickly, disrupting the communication between nerve cells and contributing to cognitive impairment, and leading to demyelination diseases such as MS7.
Emotional impacts
Neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia have profound emotional impacts, both on individuals diagnosed with these conditions, and their friends, family and carers. The progressive nature of these diseases, marked by cognitive decline and loss of memory, can be emotionally distressing for those directly affected. Individuals grappling with dementia often face frustration, confusion, and a sense of identity loss as cherished memories slip away. For family members and carers, witnessing a loved one's cognitive decline can evoke a range of emotions, including grief, sadness, and a sense of helplessness. The gradual shift in roles, from a family member providing care to requiring care, adds another layer of emotional complexity.
References
The research team
Prof. Emad Moeendarbary is a researcher who studies the behaviour of living cells in the context of cancer and nervous system diseases. Prof. Moeendarbary’s work has been published high profile publications in prestigious journals such as Nature Materials, Nature Cell Biology, Nature Communications, Blood, and Nano Letters.
Prof. Emad Moeendarbary is a researcher who studies the behaviour of living cells in the context of cancer and nervous system diseases. Prof. Moeendarbary’s work has been published high profile publications in prestigious journals such as Nature Materials, Nature Cell Biology, Nature Communications, Blood, and Nano Letters.
Our goal is to use our advanced technology to test a large number of compounds and find potential new drugs for treating nervous system diseases. We have a model that accurately simulates the conditions in the human body, making it a reliable way to test these drugs for effectiveness. By identifying new drug targets, we hope to develop better treatments for diseases that affect the nervous system.
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