Trophic signaling by gdnf family ligands and their receptors in neuronal development and repair (GDNF)

Objective

The goal of this project is to elucidate novel molecular and cellular mechanisms of nervous system development and repair using the paradigm of the GDNF family offloads and their receptors. GDNF is a potent growth factor for various central and peripheral neurons and has received much attention as a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Our strategy is to address crucial gaps in the understanding of the role of GDNF legends in neuronal development, function and repair, with the confident expectation that this will reveal new principles of neurodevelopment and neuroprotection of general applicability. To this end, we propose to integrate studies on novel GDNF signalling receptors, GDNF target genes, novel tissue-specific knock-out and transgenic models, development of peripheral and central neural stem cells, and mechanistic bases of neuroprotection in stroke and Parkinson's disease models.

Fields of science

• natural sciences › biological sciences › neurobiology
• medical and health sciences › medical biotechnology › cells technologies › stem cells
• medical and health sciences › basic medicine › neurology › stroke
• medical and health sciences › basic medicine › neurology › parkinson

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

Call for proposal

Data not available

Funding Scheme

CSC - Cost-sharing contracts

Coordinator

KAROLINSKA INSTITUTE

Address

Retzius Vaeg 8
171 77 Stockholm
Sweden

Participants (5)

LUND UNIVERSITY

Sweden

Address

Sölvegatan 17
221 84 Lund

MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL

United Kingdom

Address

The Ridgeway, Mill Hill
NW7 1AA London

NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL OF ITALY

Italy

Address

Via Guglielmo Marconi 10
80125 Napoli

NSGENE A/S

Denmark

Address

Pederstrupvej 93
2750 Ballerup

UNIVERSITY OF HELSINKI

Finland

Address

9,viikinkaari 9 Biocentre 1a
00014 Helsinki