Project R-14111

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 within the brain. My preliminary data show that the protein 'insulin growth factor 2' (IGF-2) is able to induce NSC migration in vitro, one of the key steps in neurogenesis. 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 in 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 than normal 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 2023 - 31 October 2025