We are focused on understanding the molecular bases of a range of neurodegenerative diseases and to develop much needed treatments. One area of focus is Alzheimer’s disease (AD) which is the fourth biggest killer in developed countries. Amyloid precursor protein (APP) plays a central role in the development of AD. Here we will use biophysical and cell biology approaches to probe APP function together with X-ray crystallography at the Australian Synchrotron and cryo electron microscopy to determine the 3D atomic structures of APP and of potential therapeutic antibodies and diabodies bound to parts of APP. The latter project allows us to rationally engineer more potent antibodies and diabodies as treatments for AD. Toxic molecules associated with neurodegenerative diseases are disposed of by the brain’s immune cells called microglia. We are investigating the structure and function of key protein receptors found on the surface of microglia cells as a basis for the discovery of drugs to treat a range of neurodegenerative diseases including AD, Lewy Body Disease, Motor Neuron Disease and Parkinson’s Disease. Our work is strongly complemnented by cell biology approaches to characterise the action of drugs we discover in cell models of disease.
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