Neurobiology of Disease

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Date:	May 1, 2012 (Tuesday)
Time:	10 a.m.
Theme:	Neurodegeneration (Alzheimer's, Parkinson's Disease)
Module:	Overview
Session:	Synuclein and PD
Instructor:	Vivek Unni, Assistant Professor, Parkinson Center of Oregon
Objectives:	Mutations and overexpression of synuclein have been implicated in some cases of Parkinson's disease. We will discuss synuclein as a presumptive toxic gain-of-function example of neurodegenerative disease.
Study questions:	Is the level of synuclein important in disease pathogenesis? Are synucleinopathies due to loss-of-function or toxic gain-of-function? What pathways control synuclein levels in neurons? Why might secretion of synuclein be important?

Readings:	Vekrellis et al., Lancet Neurol 10,1015-25, 2011 Scott et al. J Neurosci, 30, 8083-8095, 2010.
Video:	http://www.ohsu.edu/edcomm/flash/flash_player.php?params=1%60/sch/neus/626-050112.flv%60vod&width=640&height=480&title=NEUS%20626%2C%2005/01/12