New therapeutic approaches to osteoporosis: targeting the osteoclast v-atpase

Objective

By harnessing the different skills of a multidisciplinary consortium, it is proposed to develop chemical and immunotherapeutic approaches directed towards inhibition of the osteoclast vacuolar ATPase. Specifically, this protein complex is responsible for the acidification process vital to bone resorption. Its inhibition will be a major contribution to combating osteoporosis, a very major problem in the aging population. The experimental strategy will draw upon
(i) the unique location of the enzyme in the plasma membrane of this cell-type and
(ii) the presence of natural inhibitors of the protein. The project will involve novel chemical synthesis, analysis of the functional effects of chemical agents and antibodies, structural analysis of the targeted subunits of the complex to determine drug interactions and testing of potential leads in in-vivo animal systems.

Fields of science

• natural sciences › biological sciences › biochemistry › biomolecules › proteins › enzymes

Programme(s)

• FP5-LIFE QUALITY - Specific Programme for research, technological development and demonstration on "Quality of life and management of living resources", 1998-2002

Topic(s)

• 1.1.1.-7. - Chronic and degenerative diseases, cancer, diabetes, cardivascular diseases and rare diseases

Call for proposal

Data not available

Funding Scheme

CSC - Cost-sharing contracts

Coordinator

UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS

Address

Woodhouse Lane
LS2 9JT Leeds - West Yorkshire
United Kingdom

Participants (3)

MAX-PLANCK-GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FOERDERUNG DER WISSENSCHAFTEN E.V.

Germany

Address

Johann Joachim-becher-weg 27
55020 Mainz

UNIVERSITY OF TURKU

Finland

Address

10,kiinamyllynkantu 10
20520 Turku / Abo

WAGENINGEN UNIVERSITY

Netherlands

Address

Costerweg 50
Wageningen

Links