Generation of Monoclonal and Polyclonal Antibodies Against Aggregated Forms of Alpha-Synuclein

Objective/Rationale:
The aggregation of alpha-synuclein plays a pivotal role in the development of Parkinson’s disease. This subproject focuses on supporting the MJFF initiative of generating antibodies recognizing aggregated alpha-synuclein species.
Project Description:
We will generate the filamentous alpha-synuclein used as antigens to carry out the screening of monoclonal antibodies, and we will validate the binding specificity of individual clones with respect to i) insoluble filamentous, ii) soluble protofibrillar and iii) monomer alpha-synuclein forms.
Relevance to Diagnosis/Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease:
Monoclonal antibodies specific that are specific to aggregated alpha-synuclein will allow the field of Parkinson’s researchers to study human tissue. This will aid in the development of biomarkers and will help to develop and study models with well characterized tools, and optimally it will focus the field and improve progress by preventing redundant studies to be conducted due to their inconsistencies in interpretations of results based on suboptimal antibodies.
Anticipated Outcome:
We expect to be part of a group that successfully generates aggregate specific antibodies, antibodies that we and other laboratories in the future will use in our work on understanding the mechanisms causing Parkinson’s disease.