Mtor pathway modulation for neurodegenerative disease treatment
Explore targeted mTOR pathway modulation to restore proteostasis and improve resilience in neurodegenerative diseases, focusing on drug discovery and validation of therapeutic targets.
Overview
This research focuses on the mTOR signaling pathway's role in regulating proteostasis, a critical factor in neurodegenerative diseases. Proteostasis involves the balance of protein synthesis, folding, and degradation, which is often disrupted in conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. By targeting the mTOR pathway, particularly the TORC1 complex, the research aims to restore cellular balance and resilience through enhanced autophagy and protein recycling mechanisms.
Technical specifications
- mTOR pathway targeting: Inhibition of mTOR, specifically through the TORC1 complex, to enhance autophagy and protein recycling.
- Proteostasis regulation: Identification of proteins downregulated in neurodegeneration and reinstatement via mTOR inhibition.
- CRISPR/Cas9 screening: Utilizing genome-wide screens to identify factors contributing to mTOR-dependent neuroprotection.
- Drug screening: Testing compounds that modulate proteostasis and organelle distribution, aiming at therapeutic development.
Technology readiness level
This research is at TRL 3, involving active research and proof-of-concept studies. Future work includes detailed screening and validation to identify and characterize druggable targets related to neurodegenerative pathologies.
About Queen Mary University of London
Queen Mary University of London is a comprehensive public research university within the University of London, serving a large and diverse community across campuses in East and Central London. Integration with a major NHS hospital network provides co‑located clinical and translational facilities and access to trial infrastructure and real‑world datasets. An on‑site innovation ecosystem with wet‑lab and startup space, plus proximity to the City and Tech City, connects researchers to London’s finance and digital industry clusters. Research is supported by competitive funding from UK Research and Innovation councils, the National Institute for Health and Care Research, and leading UK charities. A dedicated technology transfer company manages IP, licensing, consultancy, spinouts, and Knowledge Transfer Partnerships to streamline collaboration.
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