Understanding the molecular mechanisms implicated in the synaptic failure of Alzheimer’s, one of the earliest events in the pathogenesis, earned researcher Elena Marcello, Associate of Pharmacology at the University of Milan, a 200 thousand dollar grant. The winner of the “Mid Career Award”, reserved for researchers who have reached the middle of their career to support the most interesting basic research in the field of neurodegenerative diseases, was announced by Airalzh Onlus (Italian Alzheimer’s Research Association) and the Armenise-Harvard Foundation. “The research I conducted made it possible to understand how the activity of the ADAM10 enzyme is regulated in the synapses and how this mechanism is altered in people suffering from Alzheimer’s – explains Elena Marcello -. This allowed my team to develop molecules capable to restore the normal mechanism of regulation of the enzyme’s activity, improving the functionality of the synapses and reducing cognitive deficits.
This grant will allow me to continue research on the specific alterations that contribute to synapse dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease, with the aim of identifying new pharmacological targets to restore synaptic plasticity”. To access funding it is necessary to be head of a laboratory independent, in Italy, for at least five but no more than 12 years. “The experience of over 20 years of the Armenise Harvard Foundation is emblematic: with the Career Development Award (CDA) program we have supported the research in Italy of over 30 young scientists who , in turn, have raised funds for around 100 million euros – explains Elisabetta Vitali, director of Italian programs at the Armenise Harvard Foundation – It is clear that it is not a problem of research quality because both Dr. Marcello and the CDA-winning researchers , despite having obtained extraordinary results, suffer from this situation.” For Alessandra Mocali, President of Airalzh Onlus, “basic research is fundamental for the development of new scientific knowledge, but it takes time. We therefore believe it is important to also support those who are investing energy and effort in research, but who need funding to achieve tangible results”, she concludes.
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