Saturday, April 20, 2024
4/20/2024
SUPPLEMENT ABSTRACT Dr. Michelle Block seeks an administrative supplement under the "Established Investigators Who Are or Become Disabled" category due to recently acquired disabilities, necessitating additional personnel and software supports. The parent grant, 1R01AG07614, The Role of Aspergillus versicolor and the Th2 Lung– Brain Axis in Alzheimer's Disease-like Neuropathology, investigates the potential link between exposure to Aspergillus versicolor, a fungal bioaerosol, and Alzheimer's disease (AD) development. The study investigates A. versicolor exposure in mice and the induction of pulmonary inflammation and immune responses. The project aims to unravel the underlying mechanisms of these responses, focusing on IL-5, HMGB1, and TREM2 and exploring their roles in the Th2 lung–brain axis. Data show that A. versicolor increases Aß plaque numbers and alters plaque-associated TREM2 and microglia in the 5xFAD mouse model of AD. Implications extend to identifying key mechanisms involved in the lung–brain axis that may contribute to AD development, providing potential targets for intervention. A comprehensive approach, including genetic modifications and antibody treatments, explores the proposed connections between environmental exposures and AD pathogenesis. Requested supports cover research management, including a project manager and admin assistant, and software tools (Lab Guru, 15/Five). These adjustments are integral to mitigating Dr. Block's recent autoimmune diagnoses, enhancing project success without altering the original scope.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).
