Seed Grants

A friend or a foe: the role of cholesterol and its metabolite in α-synuclein cell-to-cell transmission

• Prof. Avraham Ashkenazi | Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Gray School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University
  
  The proposed goal of the study is constructed with two specific aims. In Aim-1, we will explore the effects of pharmacological perturbations of neuronal cholesterol levels on α-synuclein transmission. In Aim-2, we will examine whether 24Shydroxycholesterol regulates α-synuclein aggregation and transmission.
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Amyloid cross-seeding by metabolite assemblies: A new paradigm for Parkinson’s disease

• Prof. Ehud Gazit | George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology
  
  In this project, we aim to evaluate the potential role of metabolite disbalance and resulting metabolite amyloid assembly in triggering protein amyloid cascades relevant to Parkinson's disease in C. elegans.
  
  Our efforts can substantiate a novel paradigm for the first stages of neurodegenerative diseases, providing the basis for the development of new and effective therapeutic modules. Explore >>

The effect of circadian disruption on dopaminergic neurons function and parkinsonism

• Prof. Yoav Gothilf | School of Biochemistry Neurobiology Biophysics, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Department of Neurobiology 
  
  The ultimate goal of this project is to test the hypothesis that the DA neurons’ intrinsic clocks are essential for the function of these neurons, and that disruption of these clocks leads to neuronal disfunction and a consequent parkinsonian phenotype. Explore >>

Characterization of the role in Parkinson's disease of the Rab1 GTPase, a master regulator of the endomembrane system.

• Prof. Koret Hirschberg | Department of Pathology, Gray School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University
  
  We aim to analyze the effect of a-synuclein and its aggregates on defined functional features of Rab1.
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