Recent findings suggest that the gut and brain are closely connected, and this link may be important in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Helpful products made by gut bacteria can modulate brain function. When gut bacteria is out of balance due to intestinal inflammation, in diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, for example, wrong signals can be sent to the brain. Recent human studies have suggested a link between inflammatory bowel disease and AD, but very little is known about their possible mechanisms. To this end, the current research proposal aims to develop a preclinical mouse model of intestinal inflammation and Amyloid Beta pathology. Combining these two models together provide us with an opportunity to ascertain the potential intersection between intestinal inflammation and brain Amyloid beta pathology. Collectively, the research goal is to understand how intestinal inflammation impacts Alzheimer’s Disease progression and modulates brain inflammation and will provide insights into the mechanisms for how this may occur.
