Modeling Stochastic Resonance to Restore Circadian Synchronization in Alzheimer's Disease

The SR4AD project aims to clarify the mechanisms underlying the synchronization of circadian rhythms between cells in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Disruptions of circadian rhythms are common and may accelerate the progression of AD. In healthy brains, strong intercellular communication allows circadian clocks to synchronize, but this coordination deteriorates in AD as communication weakens. A possible compensatory mechanism is stochastic resonance (SR), where random neural noise amplifies weak neural signals to restore synchronization. Another key factor in maintaining circadian coordination is the BMAL1 gene, which regulates rhythmic activity in the brain. SR4AD will begin by simulating circadian networks under varying noise levels to identify optimal SR conditions. The experimental phase will then validate these findings in AD cell culture models, assessing BMAL1 expression and circadian synchronization under controlled SR conditions. Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) will be used to characterize the responsible signal molecules. Expected outcomes of SR4AD include clarifying the mechanisms behind circadian rhythm irregularities in AD, revealing synchronization processes via SERS data, and providing a basis for the development of circadian rhythm-based therapies using SR.