PROCUREPM

Protein Misfolding: Prion-like Propagation and Cure. Implications for Neurodegenerative Diseases

Coordinatore	MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL    more Spiacenti, non ci sono informazioni su questo coordinatore. Contattare Fabio per maggiori infomrazioni, grazie.
Nazionalità Coordinatore	United Kingdom [UK]
Totale costo	1˙431˙408 €
EC contributo	1˙431˙408 €
Programma	FP7-IDEAS-ERC Specific programme: "Ideas" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013)
Code Call	ERC-2012-StG_20111109
Funding Scheme	ERC-SG
Anno di inizio	2013
Periodo (anno-mese-giorno)	2013-02-01   -   2018-01-31

 Partecipanti

#	participant	country	role	EC contrib. [€]
1	MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL  Organization address address: NORTH STAR AVENUE POLARIS HOUSE city: SWINDON postcode: SN2 1FL contact info Titolo: Dr. Nome: Anne Cognome: Bertolotti Email: send email Telefono: +44 0223 402203 Fax: +44 0223 402203	UK (SWINDON)	hostInstitution	1˙431˙408.00
2	MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL  Organization address address: NORTH STAR AVENUE POLARIS HOUSE city: SWINDON postcode: SN2 1FL contact info Titolo: Mrs. Nome: Samantha Cognome: Skehel Email: send email Telefono: +44 122 340 2357	UK (SWINDON)	hostInstitution	1˙431˙408.00

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'My long-term goal is to understand, how misfolded proteins, associated with the pathogenesis of most neurodegenerative diseases, propagate in a prion-like manner (i) and to identify strategies that could lead to cure protein misfolding (ii).

(i) We have recently discovered that mutant SOD1 aggregates, associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, penetrate inside cells and replicate their misfolded state indefinitely, just like prions. Using our robust cell-based system, we will identify the mechanisms underlying the prion-like propagation of misfolded proteins using unbiased biochemical approaches combined with siRNA screens (Aim 1).

(ii) We have discovered a novel and selective way to rescue cells from protein misfolding stress. We have identified a small molecule, guanabenz, which binds to a regulatory subunit of protein phosphatase 1, PPP1R15A/GADD34, selectively disrupting the stress-induced dephosphorylation of the alpha subunit of translation initiation factor 2 (eIF2 alpha). Without affecting the related PPP1R15B-phosphatase complex and constitutive protein synthesis, guanabenz prolongs eIF2 alpha phosphorylation in stressed cells, thereby adjusting the protein production rates to levels manageable by available chaperones. This favors protein folding and thereby rescues cells from protein misfolding stress. This suggests that inhibition of PPP1R15A could ameliorate protein misfolding diseases. We will test this attractive possibility (Aim 2).

Having provided the proof of principle that serine/threonine phosphatases are drug targets, we aim to investigate the detailed molecular mechanism by which guanabenz selectively inhibits PPP1R15A/GADD34, using a combination of biophysical and structural approaches (Aim 3). In addition, we will develop assays to identify other selective serine/threonine phosphatase inhibitors (Aim 4).

Ultimately, the knowledge emanating from our work will serve to ameliorate human health and disease.'