The impact of energy restriction on neural stem cell ageing and cognition: Uncovering molecular mechanisms and anti-ageing mimetic drugs

In this project, it is proposed that energy restriction (ER), i.e. intermittent fasting/calorie restriction, may have a role in regulating neural stem cells (NSC) biology and adult hippocampal neurogenesis and thus have an impact on associated cognition. This project aims to investigate the impact of energy restriction on the ageing of neural stem cells, uncover molecular mechanisms behind it and discover anti-ageing mimetic drugs in the context of humans. We hypothesise that ER in ageing humans will lead to enhanced cognition via modulation of neurogenesis.

The aim is divided as follows:
AIM 1: Validate the efficacy of energy restriction (ER) as cognition-enhancing intervention in humans.
AIM 2: Identify the molecular mechanisms by which ER modulates neural stem cell health, neurogenesis and cognition. AIM 3: Uncover anti-ageing/cognition-enhancing mimetic drugs.