Project Overview

Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia are known to disrupt critical functions like sleep, memory, and overall brain health. Recent studies have highlighted the importance of a molecule called m6A, which helps regulate various brain activities. While we understand some roles of m6A, such as its influence on gene expression and protein function, the specific ways it interacts with aging and dementia are still largely unknown. This gap presents a crucial area for research.

The main objective of this study is to investigate how m6A affects sleep, memory, and brain cell health, especially as we age. We aim to uncover the mechanisms through which m6A influences these critical functions and to explore whether adjusting m6A levels can alleviate symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. By answering these questions, we hope to provide insights that could lead to new strategies for managing dementia and enhancing cognitive health in older adults.

Our research will utilize genetically modified fruit flies to examine how m6A impacts specific brain circuits associated with sleep and memory. By manipulating m6A levels and observing the resulting behaviors and brain health, we can identify its precise roles in these processes. This approach differs from previous studies by allowing us to directly assess m6A’s influence on aging and dementia-like symptoms in a living organism, offering insights that could translate to human health.

The anticipated results of this research could lead to significant advancements in how we treat and manage Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. By uncovering the role of m6A in regulating sleep and memory, we may find new therapeutic targets that improve cognitive functions and overall brain health. This could help slow the progression of dementia and enhance the quality of life for individuals living with these conditions.

This project is relevant to people with dementia and caregivers as it may lead to new treatments that improve symptoms like memory loss and sleep disturbances, and potentially slow disease progression.

Principal Investigator

Ina Anreiter , University of Toronto

Partners and Donors

Alzheimer Society of Canada