Objective MOLPARK aims to define the basic cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the generation, differentiation, survival and connectivity of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons and translate this knowledge into radically new therapeutic strategies for Parkinson's disease (PD). MOLPARK brings together two industrial partners and 6 world-renowned academic groups with a uniquely advantageous knowledge platform based on complementary state-of-the-art technologies and recent relevant discoveries in their laboratories. These include, unique approaches for stem cell renewal control based on novel insights into the function of GABA receptors and intracellular signaling components such as Bex1, novel neurotrophic factors for dopaminergic neurons such as CDNF and MANF, novel approaches to harness the power of GDNF and Wnt proteins for stimulating the growth of dopaminergic terminals and novel ways to enhance synaptogenesis, MOLPARK’s strategy is based on four major interrelated objectives. I). Define the mechanisms of stem cell self-renewal, differentiation and integration and exploit these mechanisms to induce or boost existing self-repair processes with the aim of replenishing neurons in PD. 2). Define the mechanisms for sustaining dopaminergic neuron survival in health and disease with the aim of developing new, effective growth factor-based therapies aimed at protecting neurons in PD. 3). Define the mechanisms that promote the growth of DA nigrostriatal axons and dendrites with the aim of identifying therapeutic strategies based on restoring neural processes in PD. 4). Define the mechanisms that promote and sustain the synaptic connections of dopaminergic neurons with the aim of restoring connections in PD. Fields of science natural sciencesbiological sciencesneurobiologynatural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistrybiomoleculesproteinsmedical and health sciencesmedical biotechnologycells technologiesstem cellsmedical and health sciencesbasic medicineneurologyparkinson Keywords Connectivity Drosophila Neuronal Survival Neurotrophic Factor Parkinson's Disease Stem Cells Transgenic Mice Programme(s) FP7-HEALTH - Specific Programme "Cooperation": Health Topic(s) HEALTH-2007-2.2.1-7 - Restorative approaches for therapy of neurodegenerative diseases Call for proposal FP7-HEALTH-2007-B See other projects for this call Funding Scheme CP-FP - Small or medium-scale focused research project Coordinator CARDIFF UNIVERSITY EU contribution € 636 163,00 Address NEWPORT ROAD 30 36 CF24 0DE Cardiff United Kingdom See on map Region Wales East Wales Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Nick Bodycombe (Mr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data Participants (6) Sort alphabetically Sort by EU Contribution Expand all Collapse all KAROLINSKA INSTITUTET Sweden EU contribution € 1 035 517,00 Address Nobels Vag 5 17177 Stockholm See on map Region Östra Sverige Stockholm Stockholms län Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Eva Tegelberg (Ms.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data MAX-PLANCK-GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER WISSENSCHAFTEN EV Germany EU contribution € 388 162,00 Address HOFGARTENSTRASSE 8 80539 Munchen See on map Region Bayern Oberbayern München, Kreisfreie Stadt Activity type Research Organisations Administrative Contact Angelika Haefeker (Ms.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data HELSINGIN YLIOPISTO Finland EU contribution € 388 162,00 Address YLIOPISTONKATU 3 00014 Helsingin Yliopisto See on map Region Manner-Suomi Helsinki-Uusimaa Helsinki-Uusimaa Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Sanna-Maija Miettinen (Dr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON EU contribution € 517 760,00 Address GOWER STREET WC1E 6BT LONDON See on map Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Kent Lee (Mr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data ACTAR AB Sweden EU contribution € 253 444,00 Address NOBELS VAEG 3 171 77 STOCKHOLM See on map Activity type Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments) Administrative Contact Eva Montgomerie (Ms.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data CHARLES RIVER DISCOVERY RESEARCH SERVICES FINLAND OY Finland EU contribution € 253 445,00 Address MICROKATU 1 70210 Kuopio See on map Region Manner-Suomi Pohjois- ja Itä-Suomi Pohjois-Savo Activity type Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments) Administrative Contact Kirsi Pohjolainen (Ms.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data
