NRSA T32: Training in Translational Research in Alzheimer's and Related Dementias (TRIAD)

This is an application for a T32 training grant titled “Interdisciplinary Training in Translational Research on Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias” to support 4 predoctoral fellows working towards their PhD degrees and 4 postdoctoral fellows. The overall goal of this training program is to prepare promising predoctoral and postdoctoral scholars for successful careers in translational multidisciplinary research focused on AD and related dementias. This goal will be achieved through a 3-cluster integrative program that emphasizes molecular/biochemical methods, preclinical translational approaches and clinical research. The 3 components interconnect and are linked by a common scientific focus on risk factors for Alzheimer disease and related dementias that include: cerebrovascular disease, neuroinflammation, traumatic brain injury and Down syndrome. The training proposed here will be carried out by faculty mentors who have appointments within the University of Kentucky Sanders Brown Center on Aging, the Alzheimer’s Disease Center and the Spinal Cord & Brain Injury Research Center. In addition to primary appointments, faculty may have their academic appointments in 13 basic science or clinical departments in the University of Kentucky. These departments include Neuroscience, Biochemistry, Physiology, Neurology, Pharmacology & Nutritional Sciences, Pathology, Behavioral Sciences, Biostatistics, Statistics, Chemistry, Psychiatry and Psychology. The overall goal of the proposed program will be to provide multidisciplinary training in Alzheimer disease and related dementias from bench to bedside to help grow a new generation of academic researchers. Trainees will train in laboratories with mentors that encompass diverse areas of expertise from genetics & molecular biology, through preclinical model systems with exposure to clinical research. Predoctoral trainees will be recruited from our Integrated Biomedical Sciences program and from the MD/PhD program in the College of Medicine, and postdoctoral trainees through advertisement and recommendation. The training for each group of trainees will flow through a series of educational experiences that include a dedicated course in Alzheimer disease and related dementia, seminars describing research and clinic ethics, monthly speaker seminars, journal clubs and grant writing workshops. Each year trainees will be expected to present their research at the annual Markesbery symposium. Postdoctoral trainees will be provided with additional opportunities for a short externship at another laboratory that conducts Alzheimer disease research and present at the annual College of Medicine Postdoctoral Poster Session. Pre and postdoctoral trainees will also be encouraged to be involved with the Trainees in Research Advisory Committee activities describing alternative careers along with other work/life topics. The outcomes of our program are intended to nurture highly innovative scholars who are dedicated and passionate about finding new approaches to prevent or slow Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.