Project 170677
Mechanism of calpain mediated dopamine loss in PD.
Mechanism of calpain mediated dopamine loss in PD.
Project Information
| Study Type: | Other Mechanistic_Study |
| Therapeutic Area: | Neurology |
| Research Theme: | Biomedical |
| Disease Area: | Parkinson's disease |
| Data Type: | Canadian |
Institution & Funding
| Principal Investigator(s): | Park, David S |
| Institution: | University of Ottawa |
| CIHR Institute: | Neurosciences, Mental Health and Addiction |
| Program: | |
| Peer Review Committee: | Molecular & Cellular Neurosciences - B |
| Competition Year: | 2008 |
| Term: | 5 yrs 0 mth |
Abstract Summary
Parkinsons disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by loss of specialized brain cells which produce the brain molecule dopamine. Loss of these cells results in impaired movement which is one of the significant, although not exclusive, symptoms of the disease. Recent efforts in this field have focused on understanding the regulatory processes which control this type of death. We have recently shown that a specific protease called calpains may participate in this process. The present research is geared towards determining the causal nature of calpains in this process and determining how calpains mediate this degeneration. In understanding these pathways, we hope to, not only gain an appreciation for an important basic biological process, but also devise therapeutic strategies to treat Parkinsons disease.
Research Characteristics
This project includes the following research characteristics:
Study Justification
"determining the causal nature of calpains in this process and determining how calpains mediate this degeneration"
Novelty Statement
"In understanding these pathways, we hope to, not only gain an appreciation for an important basic biological process, but also devise therapeutic strategies to treat Parkinsons disease."
Methodology Innovation
investigating the role of calpains in dopamine neuron death in Parkinson's disease