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http://hdl.handle.net/11375/29312
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DC Field | Value | Language |
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dc.contributor.advisor | MacNeil, Lesley | - |
dc.contributor.author | Mesbahi, Hiva | - |
dc.date.accessioned | 2023-12-22T16:38:11Z | - |
dc.date.available | 2023-12-22T16:38:11Z | - |
dc.date.issued | 2023 | - |
dc.identifier.uri | http://hdl.handle.net/11375/29312 | - |
dc.description.abstract | Alterations in the microbiota have been observed in many human diseases, including diseases of neurodegeneration. However, specific microbiome factors that either promote or protect against neurodegeneration are largely unknown. We examined the effects of human microbiota in tauopathies, a class of age-associated neurodegenerative diseases that are characterized by the accumulation of tau protein inclusions. Using a Caenorhabditis elegans model expressing an aggregate prone human tau protein, we examined the influence of specific bacteria present in the human respiratory tract on neurodegeneration. We identified a bacterial species, Rothia aeria, that is neuroprotective in a C. elegans model of tauopathy. We determined that the R. aeria induced neuroprotection observed in PLM neurons is fat-3 dependent. fat-3 encodes the protein Delta (6)-fatty-acid desaturase. We also showed that a lipid(s) produced by R. aeria decreases neurodegeneration in C. elegans. Further investigation is needed to identify the lipid and the underlying mechanism. | en_US |
dc.language.iso | en | en_US |
dc.subject | microbiota | en_US |
dc.subject | C. elegans | en_US |
dc.title | Impact of Microbiota on Neurodegeneration in Tauopathies using Caenorhabditis elegans as a Model Organism | en_US |
dc.type | Thesis | en_US |
dc.contributor.department | Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences | en_US |
dc.description.degreetype | Dissertation | en_US |
dc.description.degree | Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) | en_US |
dc.description.layabstract | The human body hosts trillions of microbes, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. These components make up the human microbiota. Gut microbiota have an essential role in human health. In correlative studies, alterations in gut microbiota have been observed in many human diseases and conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Diet, antibiotics, and probiotics change the composition of the microbiota and could decrease or increase the risk of developing AD. Modulation of the microbiome through diet and other interventions could be beneficial for AD. AD, the most common type of dementia, is a progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and mental skills. The Alzheimer’s Society of Canada estimates that over half a million Canadians live with dementia, increasing significantly by 2031. The total estimated indirect and direct costs of dementia in 2016 in Canada was $10.4 billion. Currently, no treatments slow or stop Alzheimer’s disease and available medications can only improve the symptoms in some patients. One of the main characteristics of AD is the accumulation of a protein called tau in neurons. In this research, we look at the impact of microbiota on AD using Caenorhabditis elegans as a model organism. C. elegans is a free-living nematode. These nematodes are small, transparent, feed on bacteria and have a simple nervous system. All these criteria make C. elegans a perfect model for studying the impact of microbiota on AD. We exposed the C. elegans model of AD with high tau aggregation in their neurons to different bacteria collected from human microbiota and measured their neuronal health. We have found several species of bacteria that decreased neurodegeneration in this model. Currently, we are investigating how these bacteria improve neuronal health. Our findings suggest the involvement of human microbiota in AD. This suggests future treatment and preventative measures for AD should also consider microbiota composition. The result of this research will expand our knowledge of AD development and progression. | en_US |
Appears in Collections: | Open Access Dissertations and Theses |
Files in This Item:
File | Description | Size | Format | |
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mesbahi_hiva_202312_PhD.pdf | 10.96 MB | Adobe PDF | View/Open |
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