C. elegans models for studying protein conformational diseases

Overview

Stella Maris Therapeutics presents an innovative approach to understanding neurodegenerative protein conformational diseases (PCDs) by leveraging Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) as model organisms. This research focuses on the influence of gut microbial communities on host proteostasis, crucial in the pathogenesis of diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson’s, and ALS. By expressing human proteins associated with these diseases in C. elegans, the study identifies bacteria that either disrupt or enhance protein folding, offering potential therapeutic targets to modulate gut microbiota and mitigate disease progression.

Technical specifications

• Model System: Utilizes C. elegans expressing human proteins such as tau, Aβ42, α-synuclein, polyQ, and TDP-43.
• Microbial Influence: Identifies specific bacterial strains that impact protein folding and aggregation, either exacerbating or suppressing disease symptoms.
• Non-Traditional Antimicrobial Approaches: Develops strategies to eradicate bacteria promoting neurodegeneration while fostering protective microbial environments.
• Translational Pathway: Progresses from initial findings in C. elegans to more complex mouse models, aiming for eventual human clinical application.

Technology readiness level

The technology is currently at TRL 4, having completed lab-scale validation in C. elegans models. Ongoing research will focus on validating these findings in mouse models as a precursor to human trials.