This Proposal will address mechanistic aspects of gene therapy in experimental models of Parkinson's disease (PD) and explore ways to optimize and regulate catecholamine delivery in genetically modified cells initially in vitro. Attempts to alleviate end product inhibition will use mutated tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) molecules. The stability of Th protein expressed in non-neuronal environment as well as ways to improve that stability will be explored. Once biochemical issues are resolved, the principal investigator will generate a construct using the tetracycline-regulatable promoter (tet off). Both non-neuronal (fibroblasts) and neural precursor cell lines will be utilized, the latter of which the principal investigator hyprothesizes will provide a better environment to support expression of neuronal molecules and better properties in vivo after grafting in terms of integration and dispersion into the host brain. The efficacy of these approaches will be demonstrated biochemically by in vivo microdialysis and by following a non-drug-induced spontaneous behavior that reflects the skinesia of PD better than traditional drug-induced rotational behaviors.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
2R01NS032080-06
Application #
2393117
Study Section
Neurology B Subcommittee 2 (NEUB)
Program Officer
Oliver, Eugene J
Project Start
1993-08-01
Project End
2001-05-30
Budget Start
1998-06-01
Budget End
1999-05-31
Support Year
6
Fiscal Year
1998
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Chicago
Department
Neurology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
225410919
City
Chicago
State
IL
Country
United States
Zip Code
60637
Ding, Yunmin; Won, Lisa; Britt, Jonathan P et al. (2011) Enhanced striatal cholinergic neuronal activity mediates L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia in parkinsonian mice. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 108:840-5
Rotstein, Michael; Kang, Un Jung (2009) Consideration of gene therapy for paediatric neurotransmitter diseases. J Inherit Metab Dis 32:387-94
Ding, Yunmin; Restrepo, Jacqueline; Won, Lisa et al. (2007) Chronic 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine treatment induces dyskinesia in aphakia mice, a novel genetic model of Parkinson's disease. Neurobiol Dis 27:11-23
Kang, Un Jung; Nakamura, Ken (2003) Potential of gene therapy for pediatric neurotransmitter diseases: lessons from Parkinson's disease. Ann Neurol 54 Suppl 6:S103-9