Submitted by lac59 on Fri, 14/03/2025 - 09:57
Dr. Luca Peruzzotti-Jametti of the Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, has been awarded a prestigious MRC Clinician Scientist Fellowship. This £2 million, five-year grant will fund research to fundamentally reshape our understanding of neuroinflammation and cognitive decline in conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease.
Dr. Peruzzotti-Jametti and his team will pioneer a new field of research—exploring the intricate relationship between microglial metabolism and neuronal health.
Microglia, the brain's immune cells, have a dual nature, capable of both protecting and harming neurons. In diseases like MS, chronic microglial activation damages neurons and impairs cognition.
This project will identify the precise metabolic pathways controlling microglial activity. By precisely targeting these pathways, we aim to develop novel therapies that prevent or reverse neuroinflammation and its devastating effects on neurons and cognitive function, creating groundbreaking treatments for MS and other neurodegenerative diseases.
By manipulating these metabolic pathways, the researchers aim to develop entirely new therapeutic strategies to selectively control microglial activity and stop the neuroinflammatory processes that drive progressive damage to neurons and cognitive decline.
The goal of the research is to revolutionise the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases affecting millions worldwide.
Stefano Pluchino, Clinical Professor of Regenerative Neuroimmunology, Dept of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge said: “The project's success will establish a paradigm shift in how we approach neuroinflammation, unlocking novel therapeutic avenues for preserving brain health and cognitive function.”
Professor Alasdair Coles, Head of Department at Clinical Neurosciences said: “Senior fellowships like the MRC Clinician Scientist Fellowship are very, very competitive and Luca has done incredibly well to get one. As a scientist, Luca worked with Stefano Pluchino and then showed that metabolic dysregulation in microglia maintains chronic inflammation in the brain. As a neurologist, Luca met many people with multiple sclerosis who complain of “brain fog”. For his fellowship, Luca has brought these two worlds together, speculating that dysregulated microglia are responsible for cognitive impairment. Bravo!.”
For more information on Dr. Peruzzotti-Jametti’s work visit https://www.lpjlab.org/
