Pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease

Summary

We are working on diverse projects aimed at elucidating the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease and developing safe treatment strategies.

Supervisor(s)

Professor Juergen Goetz

Research Location

Brain and Mind Research Institute

Program Type

PHD

Synopsis

We are working on eight distinct, yet overlapping projects and preliminary data have been obtained. In Project 1, we apply the tools of Functional Genomics, using a novel (iTRAQ) approach, to our well-established AD models to focus on the synapses, in line with the concept of AD being a synaptic failure disease. In Project 2, we exploit our recently established unique transgenic model of Parkinsonism to understand this major symptom at a molecular level and to develop treatment strategies. In Project 3, we assess the role of microRNAs in AD, a cutting edge field of research, where its potential has just been realized by the AD community. In Project 4, we dissect the commonalities of AD and Type 2 diabetes. In Project 5, we dissect the functional domains of tau, and in Project 6 we aim to identify novel signalling functions of tau, and tying this together with the ‘axonal transport’ aspect of project 2, we aim to develop treatment strategies for AD. In Project 7, we address the role of oxidative stress in AD, an approach based on our recent proteomics findings. Finally, in Project 8 we propose further treatment strategies including vaccinations.

Additional Information

The laboratory has a histology work station, micro-injection devices, several microscopes, a Versadoc gel documentation system and equipment to perform tissue culture, biochemical and molecular experiments.

Keywords

Alzheimer, Parkinson, Neurodegeneration, dementia, Frontotemporal dementia, Knockout, transgenic, tau, amyloid, neuro, Proteomics, transcriptomics, histology, tissue culture, Behavioural & psychiatric disorders, Brain & nervous system disorders, Cell biology, Neuroscience & psychology

Opportunity ID

The opportunity ID for this research opportunity is: 200