Welcome to the homepage of the research group of Dr. Anke Witting, Experimental Neurology of Ulm University. You will find information about Dr. Anke Witting and her lab members, our current research topics, publications as well as seminars and lectures.
Endocannabinoids and Neurodegeneration
Cannabinoids as anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective agents in neurodegenerative diseases
Neurodegenerative diseases are often associated with changes in the balance of the endocannabinoid system. This includes increased expression of cannabinoid receptors and increased production of neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory endocannabinoids. In our project we aim to amplify the disease-associated endocannabinoid changes by pharmacologically inhibiting a central enzyme involved in the degradation of endocannabinoids, the monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) in animal models of Parkinson's disease (PD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Metabolism and Neurodegeneration
Effect of ALS genes on the AMPK/sirtuin/PGC1α signaling system
The pathology of ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases extends beyond the brain and affects basically every other tissue of the body. Especially key metabolic tissues like adipose tissue and skeletal muscle show abnormalities early in the disease course. In ALS, abnormalities in energy metabolism, especially of mitochondria, are a typical and early feature which is thought to be caused by disruption of the AMPK/sirtuin/PGC1α signaling system. This system has been identified as a crucial area of overlap between ageing and neurodegeneration. Although still unexplored in detail, it is highly likely that ALS specific mutations impair the energy homeostasis.