Transcript (N)EUROPARK Parkinson`s Disease (PD) is the

(N)EUROPARK
Quality of Life and Management of Living Resources
Key Action 3 : The “Cell Factory”
European network to develop new therapeutic strategies for
Parkinson's disease using lentiviral vector technology
Parkinson's Disease (PD) is the second most common
neurodegenerative disease. The recent identification of
genes underlying familial PD (α-synuclein and parkin)
opens perspectives for a better understanding of the
disease.
(N)EUROPARK proposes to develop new cell culture and new animal models for PD
based on these two genes using optimised lentiviral vector technology. Lentiviral
vectors are efficient tools to transfer genes both in cell culture and (rodent) brain. Using
lentiviral vector technology we will explore the role of α-synuclein and parkin in the
pathogenesis of PD, which will enable rational development of new therapies. LV
technology will be combined with classical transgenic and knock-out technology.
The potential neuroprotective role of parkin will be used as a new gene therapeutic
approach. The established disease model systems will allow evaluation and validation
of new gene therapeutic strategies and new drugs for the treatment of PD.
GENERAL OBJECTIVES:
• The optimalisation of lentiviral vector technology for gene transfer in the CNS
• The study of the role of α-synuclein and parkin in PD and related disorders
• Elaboration of a cell culture model for synucleinopathy
• The establishment of novel animal models for PD
• The identification of new pharmaco- and/or gene-therapeutic strategies and targets for PD
EXPLOITATION & DISSEMINATION:
The economic impact of (N)EUROPARK could be very large if the program is successful. Several
pharmaceutical companies in Europe have Parkinson drugs on the market and are actively
pursuing new drug development. This project could also lead to a new ad hoc spin-off company.
PARTICIPANTS:
Dr. Veerle Baekelandt and Dr. Bart Nuttin - Laboratory for Experimental Neurosurgery and Neuroanatomy &
Dr. Zeger Debyser - Laboratory for Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy - The Gene Therapy Program, Katholieke
Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
Dr. Luigi Naldini - San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, Milano, Italy
Dr. Philipp Kahle and Dr. Christian Haass - Laboratory for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease Research, LudwigMaximilians-University of Munich, Adolf Butenandt Institute, München, Germany
Subcontractor : Visgenyx Ltd., Tartu, Estonia
CONTACTS:
Website :
Coordinator:
Prof. V. Baekelandt
Scientific officer:
Dr. L. Galetescu
http://www.kuleuven.ac.be/molvirgen/projects/neuropark/
tel.: ++32 - 16 - 33 21 56
tel.: ++32 - 2 - 29 98778