Molecular basis of neurodegeneration in transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (prp and neurodegeneration)

Objective

The recent apparition of BSE and cud in Europe has raised tremendously the public interest in "health and consumer protection" with regard to food and to other derived products susceptible to carrying the infectious agent of these diseases. This proposal will focus on the mechanisms of neurodegeneration in Tees and in particular on the relationship between Prep expression, metal ion metabolism and oxidative stress. The role of two additional pathogenic factors, a transmembraneform of Prep and Doppler, a Prep related protein, will also be considered. Experimental approaches will include cellular and animal models of Tees and state of the art techniques in oxidative stress and signal transudation analysis. We believe that advances in the knowledge of the Prep physiological and pathological function, as well as in the mechanisms of neurodegeneration in Tees will provide the basis to new preventive and/or therapeutic strategies against these diseases.

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.-9. - Neurosciences

Funding Scheme

CSC - Cost-sharing contracts

Coordinator

CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE

Address

Rue De La Cardonille 141
34396 Montpellier
France

Participants (5)

INSTITUT NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE AGRONOMIQUE

France

Address

Domaine De Vilvert
78352 Jouy-en-josas

MARIO NEGRI INSTITUTE FOR PHARMACOLOGICAL RESEARCH

Italy

Address

Via Eritrea 62
20157 Milano

UNIVERSITE JOSEPH FOURIER - GRENOBLE 1

France

Address

Domaine De La Merci
38706 La Tronche

UNIVERSITY OF HAMBURG

Germany

Address

52,Falkenried 94
20251 Hamburg

UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS

United Kingdom

Address

Woodhouse Lane
LS2 9JT Leeds - West Yorkshire