Download The fate of striatal neurons in Huntington`s disease

Project description:
Adaptation or Death –
The fate of striatal neurons in Huntington’s disease
Huntington’s disease (HD) is a devastating and fatal
neurodegenerative disorder. It is characterized by very
prominent motor symptoms (chorea, “danssjuka”), but
patients also are affected by cognitive, psychiatric and
metabolic deficits. Symptoms usually start between 30 and
45 years of age, and then become progressively worse,
leading to death within a few years. There is currently no
treatment that can slow down the progression of HD.
HD is caused by a genetic defect, namely, the expansion of a CAG nucleotide triplet in
the gene coding for the protein huntingtin (htt). Although ubiquitously expressed, the
function of htt is still unknown. Strikingly, neurons in the brain are differentially
susceptible to the deleterious effects of mutant htt, and neurons in the striatum are
among the most vulnerable ones. Degeneration of striatal neurons forming the socalled ‘indirect pathway’ (a pathway involved in movement control) is a pathological
hallmark of HD.
This project investigates alterations in the function and structure of ‘indirect pathway’
neurons, in different mouse models of HD during the progression of a disease-like
phenotype. We aim at unraveling the adaptations of these cells from early to late
disease stages in order to identify changes that are maladaptive, and will eventually
lead to neuronal death. We use a broad arrange of techniques and tools: from
transgenic animals and behavioral studies to immunohistochemical and molecular
techniques, as well as patch clamp electrophysiology and two-photon laser
microscopy.
Ready to join the team?
The “Basal Ganglia Pathophysiology Unit” is an internationally renowned research
team embedded in strong research environments (BAGADILICO and MULTIPARK).
We are looking for talented students with a keen interest in neuroscience and a
motivation to pursue this fascinating project together with us.
The complexity of projects assigned to students is always adapted to the purpose and
duration of the research period (Bachelor/Master thesis, or summer projects).
Depending on the length of the project, you will have the opportunity to work with
multiple laboratory techniques. Additionally, you will be trained in data analysis,
statistics and data presentation. All joining students are furthermore integrated in the
group activities, such as weekly Journal Clubs and regular group meetings.
Contact:
Prof. Angela Cenci-Nilsson and Dr. Tim Fieblinger
Basal Ganglia Pathophysiology Unit
[email protected] and [email protected]