Our long-term objective is to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of neuronal death in Parkinson's disease (PD). The identification of several genes exhibiting linkage to PD has not yet led to the understanding of how their protein products bring about cell death. Though in vitro studies have been instrumental in identifying potential mechanisms of neurodegeneration, their findings need to be corroborated in vivo. I propose to utilize Drosophila genetics to investigate putative protein interactions among three PD-linked genes: synphilin-1, alpha-synuclein, and parkin. My primary strategy will be to investigate the inherent toxicity of synphilin-1 and its PD-associated mutation, R621C. Furthermore, genetic interactions between both forms of synphilin and either alpha-synuclein or parkin will be examined. These efforts will culminate in the investigation of genetic interactions among synphilin-1, alpha-synuclein, and parkin.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Type
Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F31)
Project #
5F31NS049869-03
Application #
6999721
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-F03A (20))
Program Officer
Refolo, Lorenzo
Project Start
2004-09-01
Project End
2007-08-31
Budget Start
2005-09-01
Budget End
2006-08-31
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2005
Total Cost
$30,631
Indirect Cost
Name
Harvard University
Department
Pathology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
047006379
City
Boston
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02115
Kontopoulos, Eirene; Parvin, Jeffrey D; Feany, Mel B (2006) Alpha-synuclein acts in the nucleus to inhibit histone acetylation and promote neurotoxicity. Hum Mol Genet 15:3012-23