Targeting G Protein-Coupled Receptors to Improve Neurovascular Coupling in Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease that affects many Canadians. It causes problems with memory and thinking due to the insufficient blood supply to the brain. The cause of this poor blood supply is unclear. Therefore, we will study how this occurs in brain cells, by testing the ability of an interesting molecule present in the brain, known as metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5), to reduce blood supply to the brain by attaching to another toxic molecule called tau, which is commonly found in Alzheimer’s brain. We will isolate brain cells from male and female mice and use them to study how tau binds to mGluR5 and affects its function. We will also use mice sick with Alzheimer’s disease to study how this attachment between mGluR5 and tau causes the reduction in blood supply to the brain. We will then test if drugs acting on mGluR5 can correct the poor blood supply. This research will show if drugs acting on mGluR5 could be a promising treatment option for management of Alzheimer’s disease and how this varies between sexes. Findings will be shared via presentations at national and international conferences, with outreach for press releases and social media platforms.