CONFERENCE COVERAGE SERIES
Symposium on Lipids in Brain Diseases - 2nd
Leiden, Netherlands
13 – 15 September 2023
The average human brain contains nearly a kilogram of fat. That’s right. The seat of your consciousness—that very thing that might be registering surprise right now—comprises about 60 percent lipid. What does it all do and how might it figure into Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative disorders? Scientists who gathered for the 2nd Symposium on Lipids in Brain Disease, shared some answers. From fats that drive proteinopathies and inflammation to others that might bring relief, learn about some of the newest concepts in Tom Fagan’s meeting series.
Cutting (or Slippery?) Edge: Lipids in Neurodegeneration Science
At a conference on lipids in the brain, scientists reported how unsaturated fatty acids might worsen or ameliorate the effects of proteinopathies.
Does the Brain Use Microglia to Maintain Its Myelin?
We all know oligodendrocytes maintain myelin. According to scientists at the 2nd Symposium on Lipids in Diseases, they need microglia to do it.
Cracking the Cholesterol-AD Code: Metabolites and Cell Type
A cholesterol metabolite magnifies pathology in a tauopathy mouse. Microglia need cholesterol to rein in amyloid. ApoE4 jams the fat's export from neuron to glia.
Can Flipping a Lipid Switch Protect the Brain?
At Leiden conference, scientists discussed how shifting cells toward “specialized pro-resolving mediators” could counter inflammation.