Principal Investigators

    Institution

    Contact information of lead PI

    Country

    European Commission

    Title of project or programme

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

    Source of funding information

    European Commission FP7-Seventh Framework Programme

    Total sum awarded (Euro)

    € 1,431,408

    Start date of award

    01/02/2013

    Total duration of award in years

    5.0

    The project/programme is most relevant to:

    Neurodegenerative disease in general

    Keywords

    Research Abstract

    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.

    Lay Summary

    Further information available at:

Types: Investments > €500k
Member States: European Commission
Diseases: Neurodegenerative disease in general
Years: 2016
Database Categories: N/A
Database Tags: N/A

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