Document Type

Paper- Restricted to Campus Access

Publication Date

4-24-2024

Faculty Mentor

Erica Gorenberg

Abstract

Neurodegenerative diseases affect millions of people worldwide and result from damage to neuronal cells in the brain essential for cognition, coordination, mobility, and strength. Prominent examples include ALS, Alzheimer's, Huntington’s, and Parkinson's Disease, whose precise origins remain unknown. However, they are associated with the accumulation of specific proteins in neurons: TDP-43 and FUS, amyloid beta peptide, polyQ, and alpha synuclein aggregates, respectively. Recent findings highlight DnaJB, a class of proteins with significant disaggregation capabilities, as a promising avenue for therapy. With 66 diverse J-protein isoforms, identifying which DnaJB variants effectively bind and interact with disease-associated proteins remains a critical pursuit. Our study aims to elucidate these interactions using the Yeast Two Hybrid method, which could direct the design of targeted chaperone-based treatments that combat neurodegenerative diseases more effectively.

Comments

Presented as part of the Ursinus College Celebration of Student Achievement (CoSA) held April 24, 2024.

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