Saarland University |
|
Hartmann Group
Hartmann group is the most cited scientist for the topic of lipids in Alzheimer’s disease. He was the coordinator of the preceding FP5 LipiDiet project and assistant coordinator of an FP4 EU project by Beyreuther. He is now the coordinator of this project proposal. He has published very highly on different aspects of AD covering a broad range of topics ranging from basic aspects of the molecular and cellular biology of AD over new approaches to the early diagnosis of AD to prospective clinical trials. As an excellent molecular and cellular biologist he shifted over the last decade a major part of his attention towards the lipid metabolism in AD. He provided the first experimental proof that statins lower amyloid levels in vivo, conducted the first (and successful) pilot prospective double blind placebo controlled statin treatment trial to slow down disease progression in AD and identified the molecular mechanism by which cholesterol regulation is linked to Aß production. His work was awarded the prestigious Alois Alzheimer price at the centennial anniversary of the discovery of Alzheimers disease 2006. His broad knowledge base, high international reputation in the field of dementia research, as much as his managing capabilities qualify him as the coordinator for the high demands LipiDiDiet will bring along.
| Contact
|
|
Fassbender Group
Fassbender is an expert on neuroinflammation and microglia properties, especially in AD. Because inflammation is a very important aspect with a high likelihood to represent on MOA that is actually responsible or contributing to the DHA mediated in disease progression arrest he was asked to join the consortium. He also has a very good background on the role of lipids in AD (Fassbender PNAS 2001). Using in vivo microdialysis techniques, they first demonstrated that aggregated Aß, the main component in senile plaques of AD, but soluble Aß cause pronounced innate immune responses in the living brain. They identified the LPS receptor, as a receptor mediating Aß-induced microglial activation associated with release of strongly neurotoxic molecules and as important receptor for Aß phagocytosis. Taken together this clearly qualifies him as a member of the consortium. Moreover, he is a coordinator of a previous successful EU project (MANAD).
| Contact |
|