Objective
A novel, innovative approach for the identification and manipulation of the genes that are involved in brain degenerative and regenerative processes is proposed. The focus is on the model system of the Drosophila brain where sophisticated anatomical, genetic and mollar genetic techniques will be used for mutation, screening, cloning, and targeted gene misexpression studies. The two main goals of this proposal are the following: First, to obtain insight into the mollar genetic mechanisms that are involved in degeneration of brain structures during maturation and aging in Drosophila, Second, to develop the targeted gene expression technology necessary for directing brain regeneration in the Drosophila model system.
To reach these goals, two highly interactive sets of coordinated research activities have been designed. The first concerns the identification of genes involved in brain degeneration in Drosophila. This involves a large scale mutagenesis and subsequent screening, mapping and neuroanatomical characterization of the obtained mutants, followed by the mollar cloning of selected genes. The second deals with the development of technology for the mollar genetic reconstruction of degenerated or damaged brains through targeted misexpression of high order developmental regulatory genes using Drosophila transgenics. If this suceeds, it will represent the first example of gene therapy for brain degenerative processes in any organism.
Once the corresponding genes have been successfully identified and manipulated in Drosophila, the planned research will form the basis for the identification and therapeutic transgenic manipulation of mammalian gene homologs. This, in turn, may lead to the directed development of strategies for the gene therapeutic treatment of degenerative diseases of the human brain.
If this is possible for even a single genetically based neurological disease, it would represent an enormous step forward in modern mollar medicine and health care.
Topic(s)
Data not availableCall for proposal
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4051 Basel
Switzerland