Functional study of the pathophysiological role of alpha-synuclein aggregation in cellular and animal models for Parkinson's disease.

In this project, we will examen the relationship between alfa-synuclein aggregation, phosphorylation and neurodegeneration in cell culture and in rodent brain. To do so, we will use viral vectors and molecular imaging as core technologies. More specifically, we will develop new methods to visualize alfa-synuclein aggregation and neurodegeneration in a neuronal cell culture model and in rodent brain using fluorescent and bioluminescent imaging techniques. Next, we will analyse the influence of certain proteins on the aggregation and neurotoxicity of alfa-synuclein and examine whether these influences are disease-promoting or rather neuroprotective in rodent brain.

Keywords:Molecular imaging, Viral vectors, Alpha-synuclein, Parkinson's diseaese

Disciplines:Neurosciences, Biological and physiological psychology, Cognitive science and intelligent systems, Developmental psychology and ageing