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Ribozyme-mediated cell-specific downregulation of gene expression in the adult CNS using adenovirus vectors

ReferenceC07745
Principal Investigator / Supervisor Dr Harry Charlton
Co-Investigators /
Co-Supervisors
Institution University of Oxford
DepartmentHuman Anatomy and Genetics
Funding typeResearch
Value (£) 141,788
StatusCompleted
TypeResearch Grant
Start date 09/06/1997
End date 09/06/2000
Duration36 months

Abstract

Hammerhead ribozymes are regulators of gene expression since they bind and cleave RNA. We propose to exploit these natural properties of hammerhead ribozymes to test a strategy for the inhibition of a neuronal target gene expression (using the dopamine transporter-DAT gene as a model), in a subpopulation of brain cells (dopamine neurons) using adenovirus as a delivery system. Different ribozymes will be designed and constructed against various regions of DAT mRNA. These will be tested in three different systems: cell-free, Xenopus oocytes or rat cells, and in whole animals. Ribozyme activity will be analysed and optimised in the in vitro systems prior to animal experimentation. This project will provide fundamental knowledge concerning ribozyme function in a complex system such as the CNS. This will facilitate the future study of neuronal gene expression, and the identification and functional analysis of ribozymes of potential therapeutic value for the nervous system.

Summary

unavailable
Committee Closed Committee - Biochemistry & Cell Biology (BCB)
Research TopicsX – not assigned to a current Research Topic
Research PriorityX – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative X - not in an Initiative
Funding SchemeX – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme
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