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Targeting programmed cell death in Parkinson's disease

Objetivo

This proposal is designed to pursue our studies of the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD) in order to develop new therapeutic strategies for this devastating neurodegenerative disorder. Pertinent to this goal, we have found that 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2 ,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP), a toxin that kills dopaminergic (DA) neurons of the substantia nigra pars compacta as seen in PD, can execute these neurons by the molecularly regulated form of cell death termed programmed cell death (PCD). However, at pres ent there are no molecular tools of potential therapeutic significance to interfere with this process. In keeping with this, we have previously demonstrated that activation of Bax, a potent pro-cell death protein, governs the PCD of DA neurons in this PD m odel, and it has been shown that Bax is also activated in PD human brain tissues. However, it is not known what controls the conversion of Bax from the inactive to the active conformation. Recent evidence indicates that activation of Bax requires interacti on with the small BH3-only proteins of the Bcl-2 family. Accordingly, Specific Aim I (SA-I) will define the role of BH3-only molecules Puma and Noxa in MPTP-related Bax activation and DA neurodegeneration and its dependency on the transcription factor p53. SA-II will determine the role of BH3-only molecule Bim in MPTP-induced Bax activation and DA neurodegeneration and its dependency on the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway. SA-III will assess the effect of two new molecules that interfere with Bax acti vation as potential therapeutic tools for PD-related DA neurodegeneration. Overall, this proposal should (i) shed light into the pathogenesis of PD by identifying molecular events that are critical to initiate PD-related neurodegeneration, (ii) lay the gro und for the development of novel therapeutic strategies for PD, and (ii) allow my professional integration to European research by providing substantial funding to develop a new research team in Spain.

Convocatoria de propuestas

FP6-2004-MOBILITY-8
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Coordinador

FUNDACIO INSTITUT DE RECERCA HOSPITAL UNIVERSITARI VALL D'HEBRON
Aportación de la UE
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Dirección
Pg. vall d'hebron, 119-129
08035 Barcelona
España

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Coste total
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