Project R-12241

IGF-2 and [DES-1-6]IGF-2 as new tools to boost neurogenesis after ischemic stroke (Research)

Ischemic stroke is a severe neurological condition in which brain tissue is damaged by a sudden impaired blood flow. It is the leading cause of disability and the second leading cause of death worldwide. As currently only a part of the patients are eligible for treatments, new therapies are highly needed. A possible new strategy is the activation of adult neurogenesis: this is the activation of neural stem cells (NSC) that reside in the brain. My preliminary data show that the protein 'insulin growth factor 2' (IGF2) is able to induce NSC migration, one of the key steps in neurogenesis, in vitro. Des[1-6] IGF-2, a variant of IGF-2, is even significantly more potent in generating this effect. In the first part of the project, I investigate which receptors on the NSCs are involved IGF-2 –induced migration. The second objective is to analyse whether IGF-2 and Des [1-6] IGF-2 improve neurogenesis in a mouse model of stroke and whether Des [1-6] IGF-2 performs better then IGF-2 . With this study, I hope to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of action of IGF-2 and/or Des[1-6] IGF-2 and to obtain valuable information for translation of both proteins into an effective treatment against ischemic stroke.

01 November 2021 - 31 October 2026