​We are pleased to announce the publication of our latest research article, “Distinctive autophagy/mitophagy biomarker profiles in frontotemporal lobar degeneration and Alzheimer’s disease,” in Acta Neuropathologica Communications. This study, published on February 20, 2025, presents our findings on the unique biomarker profiles associated with autophagy and mitophagy in FTLD and AD.​

By investigating cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum samples from patients diagnosed with FTLD and AD, both in dementia and MCI stage, this study provides compelling evidence of distinct alterations in autophagy/mitophagy biomarkers between FTLD and AD, indicating that these neurodegenerative diseases may affect the cellular waste disposal system through different pathways. This is the first study to explore mitophagy biomarkers in human CSF and serum in FTLD, opening avenues for further research and potential clinical applications.

We extend our gratitude to our collaborators and funding agencies for their support in this endeavor. For a comprehensive understanding of our findings, we invite you to read the full article at https://actaneurocomms.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40478-025-01954-9

Zdroje

We are very honored that our paper Alterations of human CSF and serum-based mitophagy biomarkers in the continuum of Alzheimer disease published in Autophagy has been recognized as the Best Clinical Publication of 2024 by the Czech Neuropsychopharmacological Society, following evaluation by international experts. Thanks to all collaborators for their invaluable contributions!

Scientists are following dozens of different paths to the causes of Alzheimer’s disease. One step at a time because each pathway has countless interconnected processes that experts are trying to unravel to stop the fatal degeneration of the brain. They mainly target the faulty protein that’s damaging its surroundings until, eventually, the entire nerve cell dies. But Katerina Veverova’s team is also looking at why the protein in the cell is dying. Focusing on the source of its energy, they have confirmed that stimulating it can slow the progression of the disease far more than the brain-enhancing drugs that have been given so far.

The interview is in the Czech language and available online here.

Veverova: We can detect Alzheimer’s before we can help. The number of patients is growing and a cure is still elusive

Identification and potential clinical applications of novel autophagy/mitophagy proteins in the biofluids of Alzheimer’s disease published in prestigious Ageing Research Reviews (IF=12.5, Q1, D1) by Jianying Zhang, He-Ling Wang, Kateřina Veverová, Martin Vyhnálek and Evandro Fei Fang. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arr.2024.102378

Congratulations to all MitAD members!

Highlights

• •Elevated PINK1 and reduced TFEB in CSF and serum samples of AD patients.
• •Correlations were found between levels of PINK1, TFEB, and clinical indicators of AD.
• •Changes of the fluid protein levels of mitophagy/autophagy proteins could be developed into markers in assisting diagnsosi and prognosis.

An interview with Dr. Kateřina Veverova on the Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University website highlights the role of mitophagy in Alzheimer’s research and its possible translation into clinical practice for future disease treatment. The interview also focuses on the recent development of blood-based biomarkers, a mouse with reverse memory impairment, and how many “Alzheimer’s” really exist.

You can find the whole interview here.

The interview with Dr Katerina Veverova, lab team leader of the MitAD project, focused on recent discoveries in Alzheimer’s disease research and introduced the role of mitophagy in the pathophysiology of AD. The discussion included the enhancement of mitophagy with Urolithin A, the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease with blood-based biomarkers, and non-pharmacological lifestyle interventions to combat this devastating disease.

You can find the whole interview here.

We are happy to announce that our article “Altered mitophagy biomarkers levels in the AD continuum” has been published in the prestigious journal Autophagy.

This study looked at the status of mitophagy, which is like a garbage disposal system for mitochondria (the powerhouses of cells), in people with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We examined samples from the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood serum from 246 people, including those with mild cognitive impairment due to AD (MCI-AD), AD dementia, and those with normal cognition.

The findings showed that certain biomarkers of mitophagy were different in people with AD compared to those with normal cognition. Specifically, levels of a protein called PINK1 were higher in both CSF and serum of AD patients, while another protein called BNIP3L was higher in serum. On the other hand, a protein called TFEB was lower in serum. These differences were related to AD severity.

In simpler terms, the study found that there are changes in specific proteins related to cleaning up damaged mitochondria in people with AD, and these changes seem to be linked to the progression of the disease. This suggests that these proteins could potentially be used as biomarkers to help track AD in the future.

Four years ago, colleagues from the Charles University (Martin Vyhnálek and Kateřina Veverová) and the University of Oslo (UiO) (Evandro Fang) secured a competitive grant of € 1 404 000 on the project entitled ‘The Validation of specific mitophagy biomarkers across Alzheimer’s disease continuum’ (acronym MIT-AD), from Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway through the EEA Grants and the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic within the KAPPA Programme.

On 11 April 2024, in the old university campus of Charles University (founded 1348), a one-day meeting entitled “From Mitophagy to Neurocognitive Impairment“ was organized. This meeting aimed to share the exciting research data the MIT-AD team generated as well as to have leading experts in the fields to share their works to the community.

Highlights of some of the topics:

NO-Age international member, keynote speaker Prof. Nektarios Tavernarakis shared the mechanisms of compromised mitochondrial homeostasis in ageing and dementia! Prof. Martin Vyhnálek and Dr. Kateřina Veverová reported the results of changes of a few mitophagy proteins in blood and CSF samples from AD patients; the paper was just accepted in a leading journal, with news release shortly. Prof. Evandro Fang presented a talk entitled ‘The ‘5As’: ageing, Alzheimer’s disease, autophagy, AI, and an ‘A’ molecule in brain health and longevity’. DPhil student Johannes Frank (UiO) talked on a novel cellular death pathway in Alzheimer’s disease. Young researcher Dr. Sofie Hindkjær Lautup showed the use of AI in identifying unknown causes of neurodegenerative diseases. Dr. Davide D’Amico gave a talk on ‘Health benefits of the mitophagy activator Urolithin A – From preclinical models to clinical studies’.

In the afternoon block, Dr. Giovanni Bellomo presented the latest discoveries of biofluid biomarkers in AD. Also, Dasa Bohaciakova (Dolezalova) demonstrated us the potential of brain organoids in AD research.

Additionally, a clinical team from the Czech Brain Aging Study presented the results of their long-time collaboration. Prof. Jakub Hort, the PI from the Prague site, shared recent findings on the pharmacological treatment of AD. Dr. Katerina Sheardova, the PI from the Brno site, demonstrated the significant role of nonpharmacological interventions in AD prevention. Prof. Jan Laczó presented fascinating findings on spatial navigation, while Dr. Hana Horáková (Marková) illustrated the complexity of neuropsychological assessment.

Finally, Šárka Kovandová shared the recent Alzheimer nadační fond projects with us. This initiative not only aids professionals in comprehending AD but also provides invaluable support to patients and their caregivers.

More details of the meeting and the MIT-AD team: Charles University website and MIT-AD website.

See pictures of the event below (copy right of the Photos: Charles University).

Discover the cutting-edge world of mitochondrial research at the upcoming conference, “From Mitophagy to Neurocognitive Impairment,” hosted by the Department of Neurology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Motol University Hospital with the University in Oslo. Join us in exploring more about mitophagy and cognitive health.

The conference program brings up-to-date findings in the neurodegenerative cascade of Alzheimer’s disease. We will start with the knowledge about mitophagy (the mechanism of recycling damaged mitochondria), whose disruption may be at the very beginning of the disease, and the possibilities of its therapeutic influence. We will also present brain organoids modeling the pathophysiology and blood-based biomarkers reflecting Alzheimer’s pathology in preclinical and clinical studies. We will not omit the most common clinical manifestations in patients, including methods of experimental neuropsychology, and conclude with a look into the future treatment of this insidious disease.

Event Details:

• Date: 11 April 2024
• Time: 8.30—17.00
• Venue: Vlastenecký sál, Karolinum (Ovocný trh 3, Praha 1)

You can look forward to a day packed with insightful talks by leading experts, engaging discussions, and valuable networking opportunities, including:

Nektarios Tavernarakis ► Mitophagy in basic research ◄

Evandro F. Fang ► Brain health & longevity ◄

Dáša Bohačiaková ► Brain organoids in AD ◄

Giovanni Bellomo ► Blood-based biomarkers in AD ◄

Jakub Hort ► Perspectives in AD treatment ◄

Kateřina Sheardová ► Well-being & brain maintenance ◄

Program details are available here

Hybrid Format: This conference offers a unique hybrid format, providing you the flexibility to choose between attending in person or participating online.

Free registration required: Ensure your spot for both online and in-person participation by registering here. Do not hesitate, as space is limited.

We look forward to sharing this enlightening experience with you.