In this subproject focusing on the recessive PD genes, partners specializing in protein biochemistry, molecular cell biology, invertebrate and vertebrate animal models and viral gene delivery are joining forces to unravel the molecular basis of parkin and PINK1 neuroprotection, with emphasis on mitochondrial function:

1. Regulation of parkin ubiquitin ligase enzyme activity
2. Elucidation of mitochondrial parkin target proteins
3. Screening and validation of modulator genes of the PINK1-parkin pathway mediating mitochondrial integrity
4. Assessment of neuroprotective drugs with mitochondrial mode of action of PINK1-parkin pathway
5. Generation/analysis of viral rodent models of PINK1 and parkin deficiency

 

Workpackages

 

Workpackage No	Work package title	Lead Participant No	Work Package Leader
2.1	Regulation of parkin E3 ubiquitin ligase activities	University of Tuebingen	Phillipp Kahle
2.2	Dissecting the molecular mechanisms involved in the Parkin-dependent modulation of mitochondrial functions.	Institut National de la Sante et de la Recherche Medicale (INSERM)	Olga Corti
2.3	Genetic analysis of PINK1/Parkin function in Drosophila	University of Sheffield	Alex Withworth
2.4	Assessment of the activity of mitochondrial targeted compounds in relevant models of recessive inherited PD	Trophos S.A.	Rebecca Pruss
2.5	Exploration of the neuroprotective role of parkin and PINK1 in vivo with viral vector technology	Katholieke Universiteit Leuven	Veerle Baekelandt