Retinal Regulation of Locus Coeruleus and Mood: A Chemogenetic Approach to Treat Depression

Rbhs-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway NJ

Investigators

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Abstract

Abstract/Summary In addition to loss of memory, symptoms of Alzheimer's disease (AD) include apathy and circadian dysregulation. We identified a critical pathway from the retina to the brain that regulates locus coeruleus (LC), a key brain system for memory, motivation and circadian rhythms. Notably, LC degeneration is one of the first indicators of AD pathologies. We propose to use the chemogenetic tool Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs (DREADDs) to regulate this retina-LC circuit and test its efficacy as a novel therapy to treat AD.