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Project
Microtubules in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases.
In a first phase we will study the role of tau in the pathogenesis of ALS. With a genetic association study we will look for an association between polymorphisms in the MAPT gene ans ALS in several populations. We will also study the influence of the absence of tau on motor neuron degeneration induced by SOD1G93A in double transgenic mice and on axonal transport in vitro.
In a second phase we will study the function of Elp3 with regards to motor neuron degeneration. Using immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting we will analyse the localisation and expression of Elp3 in different cell types of the spinal cord. By overexpressing both mutant SOD1 and Elp3 mRNA at the same time in a double transgenic zebrafish model, we can study the role of Elp3 in axonal outgrowth defects. Finally, we will study the effect of overexpression and deletion of Elp3 on mutant SOD1-induced motor neuron degeneration in the mouse.
In a second phase we will study the function of Elp3 with regards to motor neuron degeneration. Using immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting we will analyse the localisation and expression of Elp3 in different cell types of the spinal cord. By overexpressing both mutant SOD1 and Elp3 mRNA at the same time in a double transgenic zebrafish model, we can study the role of Elp3 in axonal outgrowth defects. Finally, we will study the effect of overexpression and deletion of Elp3 on mutant SOD1-induced motor neuron degeneration in the mouse.
Date:1 Jan 2008 → 21 Jun 2012
Keywords:Elp3, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Polymorphism, Tau, MAPT
Disciplines:Neurosciences, Biological and physiological psychology, Cognitive science and intelligent systems, Developmental psychology and ageing
Project type:PhD project