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.