Award
National Institute on Aging 5K00AG068442-05
Cellular and molecular changes in the spinal cord that cause motor deficits in old age
Recipient
Massachusetts General Hospital
Award Amount
$87,923.00
Ceiling
$87,923.00
Awarded
January 23, 2025
Identifier
5K00AG068442-05
This award funds research to understand cellular and molecular changes in the spinal cord that cause motor deficits in aging, focusing on α-motor neurons and glial cells.
Description
The project aims to elucidate the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying age-dependent motor deficits, focusing on α-motor neurons and their synaptic inputs, as well as glial cell involvement in the spinal cord. Research objectives include investigating degeneration of dendritic arbors and synapses of α-motor neurons with age, examining intrinsic biophysical changes in α-motor neurons during aging, and exploring the role of glial cells such as microglia and astrocytes in motor synapse loss. The research approach uses cellular, molecular, biochemical, and imaging assays during predoctoral and postdoctoral phases to address these questions, contributing to understanding of motor system aging.