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Development of Bi-functional molecules for use in the control and treatment of degenerative diseases Date: 9/04/14 Speaker: Mr. Tzachi Shalit Department of Biological Chemistry, Ariel University Abstract Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder. Parkinson's is characterized by the following symptoms including resting tremor, rigidity, difficulty in initiating movement, and postural instability. The molecular mechanisms that initiate the degeneration of the dopaminergic neurons in the brain stem, particularly in the SN (substantia nigra- Part of the brain that plays an important role in reward, addiction, and movement) of PD patients are still unknown. However, oxidative stress is considered to be primary cause of neuronal degeneration. It has been observed that Iron can induce oxidative stress inducing progressive Parkinsonism. Monoamine oxidase enzymes (like MAO-B) metabolize dopamine and playing an important role in oxidative stress processes. We reasoned that neurodegenerative diseases could be better addressed using a combination of an iron chelating ligand and a MAO-B inhibitor in a single bifunctional molecule. We, therefore, developed a new antioxidant-iron chelator with potent selective MAO-B inhibitory activity to be used as drug candidates for the treatment and/or prevention of the neurodegenerative diseases. The design, preparation and preliminary biological results of our novel inhibitors will be presented and discussed.