Emily Peterson ’22 and Jackson Diltz ’22

Metabolic Dysregulation in Frontotemporal Dementia

Emily Peterson ’22, Biology
Jackson Diltz ’22, Biology and Psychology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Marla Tipping, Biology

Metabolic reprogramming is a common hallmark of many diseases. In recent years the focus on metabolic change in cancerous tissues has increased. However, fewer studies have investigated the metabolic shifts in neurodegenerative diseases. Metabolic reprogramming in neurodegenerative disease has been well documented and glucose uptake is even used as a key diagnostic indicator for some of these diseases. We are utilizing an established Drosophila model of the neurodegenerative disease, Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD), to investigate metabolic changes using a whole brain energy utilization assay. We are also studying the underlying molecular mechanism by using quantitative PCR to measure expression of metabolic enzymes in the brain and whole body. The goal of this project is to determine if metabolism could be a potential target for treatment of FTD.

Poster Presentation: Wednesday, April 27, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Biology Projects

13th Annual Celebration of Student Scholarship and Creativity



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