Methusalem Funding > Neurodegenerative disorders, neuroprotective mechanisms and the aging brain
Neurodegenerative disorders, neuroprotective mechanisms and the aging brain
Coordinator |
Prof. Bart De Strooper |
|---|---|
Methusalem Group |
Prof. Carlos Dotti |
Centre | |
Starting date | October 1st 2007 |
Financing | EUR 900.000 per year |
Summary
The general aim of the proposed program is to understand the molecular pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disease in the context of neuronal aging. The proposal links research into fundamental neuronal cell biology with research into Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson Disease (PD) and will also enhance the interaction with clinical research groups in and outside of the department. We would like to expand current research into translational research and to include systems biology approaches in the analysis of common pathways in neurodegenerative disease. Our research will contribute to the understanding of the fundamental question why neurons can survive for decades into senescence, to the identification of mechanisms causing two major neurodegenerative diseases, and to the identification of novel molecular targets that will be exploited in high throughput screening for novel drug candidates. Except for a few peculiar cases, neurons of the central nervous system undergo their last mitosis shortly before and after birth. This biological phenomenon renders the brain incompetent to replace damaged cells during ageing. The senescent brain shows surprisingly little neuronal cell loss, implying the existence of robust mechanisms of survival against natural cellular stress. We propose that neuronal cell loss in neuro-degenerative diseases like AD and PD is at least partially the consequence of loss of these defense mechanisms, in addition to the specific genetic and environmental insults underlying AD and PD.
Motivation by the University Board