Dysautonomia
Foundation Research --
Current Projects
Math Cuajungco
The role of IKAP in the development, maintenance, and survival of autonomic and sensory neurons
This
research proposal investigates the consequences of reducing the levels of IKAP
in cultured neuronal cells. We will be using a powerful technique known as RNA
interference (RNAi) to examine how diminution of IKAP protein affects neuronal
survival. RNAi, originally discovered in plants and non-mammalian species, is a
phenomenon whereby a particular RNA sequence, when introduced into the cell,
could trigger a partial or complete shutdown of production of a specific
protein. We will attempt to use this innovative technique on primary neuronal
cultures from mice to mimic what is occurring in neurons of FD patients.
Furthermore, successfully decreasing the amount of IKAP protein in mammalian
cells, particularly in neurons, will provide clues to what genes are altered by
this event. Results from this pioneering project will set the stage for the
identification of potential drug targets in the future.
Math
Cuajungco, Ph.D.
Research Fellow at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School.
Math originally came from down under, New Zealand, where he graduated with his Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Mathematics, Master of Science in Medical Science, and Doctor of Philosophy in Psychiatry (Neuroscience) from the University of Auckland. Math's research prior to joining the Slaugenhaupt Lab was concerned with the role of metals in Alzheimer's disease. In particular, he investigated the effects of zinc and copper interaction with amyloid-beta peptide toxicity using cultured neuronal cells as a test system.