8. Regulation of NMDA Receptors by Prion Proteins
Principal Investigator: Gerald Zamponi, University of Calgary
Co-Investigators:
Frank Jirik, University of Calgary
Collaborator:
John Glover, University of Toronto
Project Description:
Cellular prion protein (PrPC) is a ubiquitously expressed protein that is highly conserved throughout evolution in mammals, though its role in normal physiology is poorly understood. Misfolded forms of PrP appear to have a role in neuronal disorders like Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, in which these infectious forms of PrP further catalyze the progressive misfolding of the cellular prion protein, ultimately leading to neuronal degeneration. Using a combination of methods, including electrophysiology, molecular biology, and protein biochemistry, this project aims to discover novel insights into the function of the prion protein in both health and disease, ultimately working towards finding a way to interrupt the process of neuronal loss in prion disease.
(Open Call II)
Last Updated: 5/3/2010 6:21:29 PM
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