AlphaSyn
Research Objectives
The specific research objectives of the AlphaSyn project are:
Specific aim 1
Biosynthesis of combinatorial libraries of cyclic oligopeptides and their functional screening for the discovery of inhibitors of aSyn aggregation.
Specific aim 2
Construction of a library of extracts and isolated natural products derived from marine organisms and detection of the bioactive molecules that inhibit the aggregation of αSyn.
Specific aim 3
In vitro evaluation of the selected compounds for their ability to inhibit the formation of neurotoxic aggregates of aSyn in neuronal cells cultures.
Specific aim 4
Pharmacokinetic and toxicological evaluation of the selected αSyn aggregation inhibitors.
Specific aim 5
In vivo evaluation of the ability of the selected molecules to inhibit the generation and dispersion of aSyn neurotoxic aggregates in a mouse model.
Specific aim 6
Preparation for the development of a nutritional supplement that promotes kinetic and mental function of older people as well as lead compounds with potential therapeutic properties against PD.