Objective/Rationale:
Aggregation of alpha-synuclein plays a pivotal role in the development of Parkinson’s disease. This subproject focuses on supporting the MJFF initiative of generating monoclonal pre-clinical model antibodies recognizing aggregated alpha-synuclein species.
Project Description:
We will generate the filamentous alpha-synuclein used as antigen to immunize pre-clinical models and carry out the screening of monoclonal pre-clinical model antibodies. Finally we will validate the binding specificity of individual clones with respect to insoluble filamentous, soluble protofibrillar and monomer alpha-synuclein forms.
Relevance to Diagnosis/Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease:
Monoclonal antibodies specific to aggregated alpha-synuclein will allow the field of Parkinson’s researchers to study human tissue, including development of biomarkers, and to develop and study models with well characterized tools. This will optimally focus the field and improve progress.
Anticipated Outcome:
We expect to be part of a group that successfully generates aggregate specific antibodies that we and other laboratories in the future will use in our work on understanding the mechanisms causing Parkinson’s disease.