Jul 2 2009
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder. It is characterized pathologically by the accumulation of aggregated conformations of the presynaptic protein alpha-synuclein The aim of this project is to create a network of European partners who will examine, using state of the art in vitro assays, structural biology and diverse cellular and animal models, alpha-synuclein conformations, regulation, and mechanisms of toxicity.
Through this work, biomarkers and experimental therapeutics targeting alpha-synuclein will be tested. This network will create the opportunity for training of a number of early stage researchers in the diverse fields of protein chemistry, biochemistry, cell biology, neurobiology, and animal modelling of nervous system diseases, within an interdisciplinary setting, while exposing them to both Academic and Industrial environments.
The Network is pleased to be able to fund 11 positions for every facet of the project. Farfield's role is the development of a biosensor toolbox for the structural characterisation of alpha-synuclein monomer, oligomer and membrane interactions. All interested applicants may contact Farfield's CSO, Dr. Marcus Swann, [email protected]
Farfield Group Limited supply dual polarisation interferometer analytical instruments for the characterisation of biochemistry, particularly the conformational changes associated with biochemical events. It enables researchers to measure in real time the kinetics, affinity and conformational changes associated with biochemical interactions and is now used in research laboratories in 17 countries worldwide to reveal the mechanisms of interaction underpinning biochemistry.