MDPTAR

Microtubule Dynamics and Protein Trafficking in Axon Regeneration

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'The overall aim of the proposal is to support the scientific career development of an experienced researcher, by completing an interdisciplinary research project on microtubule dynamics in axon regeneration, and enabling the fellow to acquire new knowledge and academic skills in order to attain a position of maturity and independence. The scientific objectives of the research are to analyse how the mechanisms regulating microtubule network dynamics and protein trafficking underlie the intrinsic ability of axons to regenerate after injury with the aim of improving treatment in neurological diseases such as spinal cord injury. The project will enhance the fellow’s scientific curriculum by providing advanced training in innovative and sophisticated techniques. The research training objectives are to contribute to the fellow's writing and publication skills, public presentation of her scientific results, establishment of collaborations and to learn to manage her own scientific project in a multidisciplinary environment. This will enable the fellow to compete for available funds thus, facilitating the possibility of establishing her own independent research line in Europe. The fellow’s mobility from the UK to a leading laboratory at the Erasmus Medical Center in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, will provide new points of view to perform research, scientific exchange and social interaction. This proposal is highly relevant to the 2010 Work Programme because: a) it entails genuine mobility strengthening scientific exchange between European members, b) it will increase the overall competitiveness and excellence of European science in the key field of axon regeneration and c) its innovative nature will further enhance the European Research Area making Europe more attractive to the most talented scientists from around world.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Understanding the processes implicated in tissue regeneration could help in devising novel strategies to treat a number of conditions. With this in mind, European researchers set out to study the intrinsic process of neuronal regeneration.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

The spinal cord is formed by bundles of nerves that elongate from neurons in the brain and connect them with the rest of the body. These nerves, also termed axons, carry signals between the body and the brain. Physical injury to spinal cord axons results in a disconnection of the brain with the body, leading to dramatic debilitating conditions such as paralysis and permanent disability. The mechanisms through which injured axons regenerate are still poorly described.

The EU-funded 'Microtubule dynamics and protein trafficking in axon regeneration' (MDPTAR) project investigated the intrinsic processes and mechanisms that underlie axon regeneration in neurons. The idea was that the generated information could be medically exploited to boost axonal regeneration in cases of nervous system injury.

Remodelling of the microtubule cytoskeleton is a key step in the regeneration of axons, involving the break-down and re-polymerisation of microtubules. However, the dynamics of the microtubule cytoskeleton have been studied mainly with respect to neuronal development rather than axonal regeneration.

Researchers identified the protein kinesin family member 3C (KIF3C) as a key regulator of axonal growth and regeneration, which controls microtubule dynamics. KIF3C is expressed in the neuronal cell body and moves to the axon where it regulates and organises the microtubule network. Adult axons lacking KIF3C displayed an impaired axonal outgrowth and delayed regeneration after injury.

Collectively, the work of the MDPTAR study offered significant knowledge on the programme of neuronal regeneration. The findings of the study could be exploited for the design of novel drugs that promote neuronal regeneration and improve the clinical picture of patients with neurological conditions.