Objective "Repulsive guidance cues for growing axons and factors inhibiting neurite growth are increasingly recognized as key players for nerve fiber growth and plasticity in the developing and adult nervous system. The first neurite growth inhibitory factor discovered in the context of axonal regeneration in the adult central nervous system (CNS) was the membrane protein Nogo-A. Inactivation of Nogo-A, e.g. by neutralizing antibodies, after spinal cord injury, brain injury or stroke leads to improved functional recovery in parallel with long distance regeneration of injured fibers and enhanced compensatory sprouting. The molecular mechanisms of action of Nogo-A is only partially known; a key element, the Nogo-A-specific receptor has remained undefined. We have recently found a membrane protein that binds to Nogo-A with high affinity; blockers of this new receptor neutralize many of the typical Nogo-A effects in vitro. The present proposal addresses new aspects of the mechanism of action and the in vivo roles of this novel Nogo-A receptor and its interactions with the known Nogo receptor components.The new results will contribute to the molecular and physiological understanding of Nogo-A and related growth inhibitors in the nervous system. Together with the currently ongoing clinical trial to enhance recovery after spinal cord injury in patients by anti-Nogo-A antibodies, the results of the present project will form an important basis for further treatments in brain injury and stroke." Fields of science natural sciencesbiological sciencesneurobiologyengineering and technologymaterials engineeringfibersnatural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistrybiomoleculesproteinsmedical and health sciencesbasic medicineneurologystroke Programme(s) FP7-IDEAS-ERC - Specific programme: "Ideas" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) ERC-AG-LS5 - ERC Advanced Grant - Neurosciences and neural disorders Call for proposal ERC-2011-ADG_20110310 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme ERC-AG - ERC Advanced Grant Coordinator University of Zurich Address Ramistrasse 71 8006 Zurich Switzerland See on map Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Principal investigator Martin Ernst Schwab (Prof.) Administrative Contact Martin Schwab (Prof.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window EU contribution No data Beneficiaries (1) Sort alphabetically Sort by EU Contribution Expand all Collapse all University of Zurich Switzerland EU contribution € 2 500 000,00 Address Ramistrasse 71 8006 Zurich See on map Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Principal investigator Martin Ernst Schwab (Prof.) Administrative Contact Martin Schwab (Prof.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Other funding No data
