The course is designed to describe the Molecular Basis of Neurodegeneration/ Disorders of the Nervous System. It addresses the history and current understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease, Focusing on the structure, function and role of the key pathogenic proteins in Alzheimers disease: the amyloid precursor protein, tau, presenilin complex and Apolipoprotein E. Development of transgenic animal models of Alzheimer’s disease. The amyloid hypothesis and other theories towards understanding the molecular pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease. The history and current understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease. Focus on the structure and function of the key pathogenic proteins in Parkinson’s disease: alpha synuclein and the PARK genes. Development of models and treatment strategies for Parkinson’s disease. Current hypothesis of neurodegeneration in Parkinson’s disease, with focus on mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress and the ubiquitin proteasomal system. The history and current understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of Huntington’s disease. Mechanisms of neurodegeneration brought about by mutant huntington, models and treatment. Methods used to understand molecular basis of neurodegeneration.
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