Annika van Hummel
Piecing together the role of TDP43 in the Alzheimer's disease puzzle
Award
Dementia Australia Research Foundation Mid-Career Research Fellowship
Status
In progress
Start Date
1 July 2025
About the project
This research aims to explore the role of TDP43, a protein linked to neurodegeneration, in Alzheimer’s disease, focusing on how it interacts with key proteins, amyloid-beta (Aβ) and tau. TDP43 is frequently found in the brains of people living with dementia, particularly those with more severe cognitive decline, yet its role in the disease remains poorly understood. Using advanced mouse models and gene delivery techniques, this project will investigate how TDP43 contributes to disease progression, examining its impact on brain function, protein interactions, and neuronal health.
By identifying how TDP43 accelerates or worsens Alzheimer’s disease pathology, the research seeks to uncover new therapeutic targets that could complement existing treatments focused on Aβ and tau. This innovative study has the potential to transform our understanding of the complexity of Alzheimer’s disease and pave the way for more effective, personalised approaches to combat dementia.
Where are they now?
Dr Annika van Hummel is a Senior Research Fellow at the Dementia Research Centre at Macquarie University in Sydney. Her research focuses on understanding the processes driving different neurodegenerative diseases and testing new therapies.
