Project: Cellular Bioenergetics in Neurodegenerative Diseases: A system-based pathway and target analysis

We aim to apply a systems-based analysis to determine the contribution of mitochondria and cell bioenergetics to pathological processes in the most common forms of neurodegenerative disorders. We will use two complementary approaches: 1) Quantitative, standardised temporal and spatial analysis of alterations in bioenergetics and in signalling pathways regulating bioenergetics in relation to pathological features and symptoms in experimental models of Parkinson’s disease (PD), compared to models of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Huntington’s disease (HD). To better recapitulate disease phenotypes including mitochondrial dysfunctions these genetically modified cells or animals will be exposed to a ‘second hit’: hyperexcitability/Ca2+ overloading or metabolic stress. From this we will develop computational models for mitochondrial respiration, metabolic flux and AMPK signalling. 2) In a parallel approach, we will perform a High-through put screen (HTS) of drugs enhancing mitochondrial functions and showing neuroprotection. HTS will further be employed to refine computational models. New therapeutic strategies will be subsequently tested in cellular and animal models available in the partner’s laboratories. The Cellular Bioenergetics in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CeBioN) consortium will provide un-precedented insights into the contribution of mitochondria and cell bioenergetics to neurodegeneration in AD, PD and HD and will identify novel therapeutic strategies.

Acronym CeBioN (Reference Number: JPND_CD_FP-688-025)
Duration 01/01/2015 - 01/01/2018
Project Topic Neurodegenerative disease
Website visit project website
Network JPND
Call A call for European research projects for cross-disease analysis of pathways related to neurodegenerative diseases

Project partner

Number Name Role Country
1 Karolinska Institutet Coordinator Sweden
2 Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland Partner Ireland
3 University of Padua Partner Italy
4 University of Ottawa Partner Canada
5 German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Partner Germany