Exploring the Microglial Phenotypic Shift From Neurotropic to Neurotoxic in the Ageing Brain

This research aims to explore the miRNA profiles of exosomes derived from monocyte-derived microglia-like cells to identify key molecules involved in the phenotypic changes observed in the ageing brain. We are using monocyte-derived microglia-like cells to create a human-relevant model that mimics microglial activity in the brain. The cells are differentiated from monocytes of individuals from various age groups, and their phenotypic changes are being assessed through various techniques.

Different methods for isolating exosomes, including ultracentrifugation and size exclusion chromatography, are being evaluated for their effectiveness in obtaining high-quality miRNA samples. The exosomal miRNA from these cells will be sequenced to identify any differences between young and old samples.

The research will focus on comparing the miRNA profiles of exosomes from young and old individuals to understand how these molecules might influence microglial function and aging. The findings could potentially provide insights into the molecular processes underlying age-related changes in the brain and design therapeutics.

Research conducted by PhD student Siri Deva Kumar