ACE Foundation, CRG partner to research into neurodegenerative diseases

The Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG) and the ACE Foundation - Barcelona Alzheimer Treatment & Research Centre, have signed a collaboration agreement to carry out scientific projects related to neurodegenerative diseases. The experience of both research centres will serve to deepen the knowledge of these diseases in various aspects.

The agreement, which will initially last for two years, aims to encourage collaboration between these two research centres. Specifically, scientific collaboration is expected in the area of genomics as well as functional studies of cases of neurodegenerative diseases.

"If we study neurodegenerative diseases from a genomic perspective we will probably discover fundamental explanations about the causes", explains Xavier Estivill, coordinator of the CRG Genes and Disease programme and member of the follow-up commission for projects with the ACE Foundation. "As we age later in life than we did previously, neurodegenerative diseases are becoming more common. Understanding the biological basis of these ailments will help us to delay their appearance, improve diagnosis, and develop new treatments", adds Estivill.

Dr. Mercè Boada, medical director of the ACE Foundation comments: "The start of this collaboration with the CRG represents a huge step forward for our institution and strengthens the basic research of the ACE Foundation. The agreement will allow us to intensify our research on the genetic causes of dementia and complements the collaborations that have been initiated with the international metaconsortia CHARGE and IGAP."

Apart from the research projects, it is expected that under the agreement scientific events and communication activities will be organised in the field of neurodegenerative diseases. Two events are already in the pipeline: the first is a scientific café (informal debate) open to everyone, on ageing and brain plasticity. The event, entitled "Blueberries, brain training and raisin stalks" will be held at 7pm on May 22 at the "La Casa Elizalde" civic centre in Barcelona with the participation of Dr. Xavier Estivill from the CRG. and Dr. Mercè Boada of the ACE Foundation, Vall d'Hebron Hospital and Vall D'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR).

On a scientific level, from May 23-25 the VIII Barcelona/Pittsburgh Biennial Conference "Dementia today" will be held, organised by the ACE Foundation and the University of Pittsburgh, and in which Dr. Xavier Estivill from the CRG will speak.