Precision Genetics in Neural Aging, Alzheimer s Disease and related Dementias (PGAD) - PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT The goal of the Precision Genetics of Neural Aging, Alzheimer’s disease, and Related Dementias Training Program (PGAD-TP) at The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) is to train the next generation of scientists to study the complexity and heterogeneity of neural aging and ADRD. Central to the PGAD-TP is training in the use of genetically diverse mouse strains to better reflect human aging and disease. In the first five years, the PGAD-TP included all aspects of aging and age-related diseases, with an emphasis on ADRD. Through leadership of co-directors Drs. Ron Korstanje (aging) and Howell (ADRD), in collaboration with JAX Genomic Education and scientific leadership, seven predoctoral and eight postdoctoral PGAD trainees received training in aging, neural aging, age-related kidney disease, blood disorders, neurodegenerative diseases of the eye, and ADRD. PGAD trainees were successful in obtaining independent funding through competitive internal fellowships (JAX Postdoctoral Scholar Award), federal (F30, F31, and F32) and foundation grants. PGAD trainees also contributed to publications in high tier journals including Nature Aging and Molecular Neurodegeneration. Based on feedback from trainees, preceptors, JAX leadership, and the external advisory board, the program continued to improve through modifications to the curriculum to ensure trainees received the best possible experience. For example, we developed the JAX/UK/IU T32 AD Network, a collaboration between T32 training programs at JAX, University of Kentucky (UK), and Indiana University (IU), that enabled cross-campus interactions between trainees and preceptors. Over the first five years of the PGAD-TP, JAX continued to grow its neuroscience program, particularly in the areas of neural aging and ADRD. For instance, JAX recruited three faculty focusing on neural circuit dysfunction in AD and stroke, and mitochondrial dysfunction and those faculty are now PGAD- TP preceptors. PGAD preceptors also received NIH funding to establish four new centers relating to ADRD (TREAT-AD, MARMO-AD, TOX-AD, VCID-CWOW). To capitalize on these investments, the PGAD-TP is now more focused on neural aging and ADRD. In line with this renewed focus, Dr. Kristen O’Connell has replaced Dr. Korstanje as co-director of the PGAD-TP. Dr. O’Connell is an expert in systems neuroscience, with a focus on neural aging and ADRD, and Drs. Howell and O’Connell have worked successfully together as executive members of the JAX Center for Alzheimer’s and Dementia Research (CADR). Both are active in the training and education mission of JAX, including both pre- and postdoctoral education, thus are well-suited to lead the PGAD- TP. Sixteen PGAD preceptors bring strengths in neural aging, ADRD, non-ADRD neurodegenerative diseases, technology development, cell modeling, and data sciences. The PGAD-TP will provide trainees (two predoctoral and two postdoctoral slots per year) with rigorous training in mouse modeling of human neurodegenerative diseases through course work, responsible conduct of research, grant writing and scientific communication, participation in the JAX/UK/IU T32 AD network, and preparation for an independent research career.
