Aguzzi
Fakultäten » Medizinische Fakultät » Neuropathologie, Institut für » Prof. Dr. Adriano Aguzzi » Aguzzi
Completed research project
| Title / Titel | Genetic isolation of key prion protein interactors by phenotype suppression screens in Drosophila | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abstract (PDF, 14 KB) | |||||
| Summary / Zusammenfassung | Although some PrPC-interacting proteins have been discovered, the normal function of PrPC in the body remains essentially obscure. Moreover, prion diseases lead to brain damage and to the inevitable death of affected individuals. However, the mechanisms involved in neurodegeneration are unknown. In order to understand the physiological function of the prion protein and to get insights into the mechanisms that lead to neurodegeneration we want to use Drosophila melanogaster as a model system. The aim is to find proteins that interact with the normal and the neurotoxic isoforms of the prion protein. For this purpose, we express the normal as well as neurotoxic (murine) PrP isoforms in neuronal precursor cells in the developing Drosophila eye or the developing brain. Genetic screens are performed to identify proteins that interfere with the PrP-induced phenotype. Candidate suppressors identified in the proposed screens will be cloned and their involvement in PrP function, PrP-mediated neurotoxicity as well as their possible role in prion diseases will be assessed in the fly and by generating knockout and/or transgenic mice for the murine homologues. | ||||
| Keywords / Suchbegriffe | Gal4, UAS, prion, Drosophila, genetic screens, neurotoxicity, PrP, suppressor, function, neurodegeneration | ||||
| Project leadership and contacts / Projektleitung und Kontakte |
|
||||
| Other links to external web pages | http://www.neuropathologie.usz.ch/ | ||||
| Funding source(s) / Unterstützt durch |
Others Department of Defense, USA |
||||
| In collaboration with / In Zusammenarbeit mit |
|
||||
| Duration of Project / Projektdauer | Jul 2003 to Jun 2007 |