Effects of a TSPO ligand on cholesterol homeostasis in an Alzheimer’s disease mouse model

This proposal is an innovative patient-related project. We expect to understand the role of cholesterol homeostasis in pathology of AD retina and brain, particularly in the breakdown of the blood-retina and the blood-brain barriers in AD and in the gliosis in AD retina and brain. We will know whether TSPO ligand, Etifoxine, can reverse pathology in AD retina and brain and have therapeutic potential for AD patients. The support of a funded by CSO/RS Macdonald Charitable Trusts grant would enable us to generate preliminary data and apply for larger grants from more specific charities such as Alzheimer’s Research UK, the Alzheimer’s Society and from Research Councils, such as the Medical Research Council.