Medizinische Universität Graz Austria/Österreich - Forschungsportal - Medical University of Graz

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SHR Neuro Krebs Kardio Stoffw Microb Lipid

PEROXISOMES: Integrated Project to decipher the biological function of peroxisomes in health and disease

Abstract
Although peroxisomes are essential for life, the various functions and dynamics of this organelle in health and disease are only poorly understood. Most inherited peroxisomal disorders in humans have a low incidence but collectively they represent an enormous burden on affected individuals, families and society. A detailed understanding of biogenesis and function of this organelle is required for developing therapeutic strategies. To bridge the gap between the scarce knowledge about peroxisomes and their importance for living organisms, we will establish genomic, proteomic and metabolomic platforms focussed on peroxisomes. We will identify novel peroxisomal matrix and membrane proteins and gather comprehensive knowledge about their functions. Using this information, we should be able to decipher the molecular mechanism of so far uncharacterised peroxisomal disorders and open up novel diagnostic and therapeutic opportunities. Genome-wide gene expression and biochemical analyses of 14 different mouse models of peroxisomal deficiencies will reveal why differing phenotypes occur even when the same metabolic pathway is disturbed. Mouse genetics will be used to evaluate the role of peroxisomes in different cell types during development and in adulthood. Because evidence is emerging for a role of peroxisomes as modulators in diseases of complex inheritance, such as arteriosclerosis, cancer and Alzheimer's disease, we will screen appropriate databases to detect dysregulation of genes encoding peroxisomal proteins. Tissue microarray analysis, cDNA chip and quantitative RT-PCR analysis will be used to verify the results with the final goal to develop diagnostic tools. The role of peroxisomes in Alzheimer's disease and in chronic metabolic liver diseases will be analysed and the biogenesis and dynamics of this organelle deciphered. Only with this integrated EU project will we be able to elucidate the role of peroxisomes in living organisms in the near future.
Lokale Teilprojektleitung:
Höfler Gerald
Laufzeit:
01.01.2005-31.12.2008
Programm:
EU (FP-6)
Subprogramm
Life sciences, genomics and biotechnology for health
Art der Forschung
Grundlagenforschung
Mitarbeiter*innen
Höfler, Gerald, Projektleiter*in
Beteiligte MUG-Organisationseinheiten
Abteilung Zentrum für Medizinische Forschung (ZMF)
Diagnostik und Forschungsinstitut für Pathologie
Projektpartner
Abteilung für Neurologie, Medizinische Universität Wien, Österreich
Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Niederlande
Biochemie-Zentrum Heidelberg, Universität Heidelberg, Deutschland
Dept. of Basic and Applied Biology, University of L'Aquilla, Italien
Dept. of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Vienna, Österreich
Institutio de Biologia Molecular e Cellular, Universidade de Porto, Portugal
Karolinska Institut, Schweden
Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgien
Max-Planck-Gesellschaft, Deutschland
Oridis Biomed, Forschungs- und Entwicklungs-GmbH, Österreich
Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Deutschland
Université de Bourgogne, Frankreich
Universiteit Gent, Belgien
University of Oulu, Finnland
Gefördert durch
Europäische Kommission, Rue de la Loi, Brussels, Belgien
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