Peripheral contribution of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in the brain steroidogenesis

DHEA is a major neurosteroids precursor, and a decrease in its serum levels have been associated with neurodegenerative diseases, especially Alzheimer's disease. Little is known about steroid hormones localization and levels in the major functional areas of the human brain and which enzymes are involved in their synthesis and inactivation. We will investigate steroids levels in these areas using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI)-Imaging mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry using the monkey brain as model. This work will be done in partnership with the R&D team at Endoceutics, which has extensive expertise in the study of steroid formation, metabolism and action. Data generated by this partnership will shed light on the physiological importance of brain steroids and whether DHEA administration may restore their physiological concentration. If so, this study could lead to new clinical trials on DHEA as a preventive therapy for Alzheimer’s disease in humans.

Faculty Supervisor:

Pierre Chaurand

Student:

Alain Dury

Partner:

Endoceutics

Discipline:

Chemistry

Sector:

Pharmaceuticals

University:

Université de Montréal