The role of impaired de novo coenzyme. A biosynthesis in pantothenate-kinase associated neurodegeneration: insight from a Drosophila model
PhD ceremony: Mr. A. Rana, 16.15 uur, Academiegebouw, Broerstraat 5, Groningen
Title: The role of impaired de novo coenzyme. A biosynthesis in pantothenate-kinase associated neurodegeneration: insight from a Drosophila model
Promotor(s): prof. O.C.M. Sibon, prof. H.H. Kampinga
Faculty: Medical Sciences
In this thesis, we characterize the fly model for PKAN (Pantothenate Kinase-Associated Neurodegeneration) and show that model fly have shorter life and brain degeneration similar to PKAN patients. We also show that adding pantethine (a naturally occurring substance) to the food of the sick fruit flies with PKAN resulted in an increased life span, increased ability to climb and that the brains of the ‘sick’ flies looked better. Pantethine also works in a PKAN model of human cells. Finally, we show that wild-type mice could tolerate high doses of pantethine. Our results indicate that pantethine can be further developed as a potential therapy for the PKAN disease.
Last modified: | 13 March 2020 01.14 a.m. |
More news
-
06 June 2025
India-Netherlands Hydrogen Valley Fellowship Programme announced
To coincide with World Environment Day, 5 June 2025, the Indian Department of Science and Technology and the University of Groningen yesterday announced a Hydrogen Valley Fellowship Programme Partnership, allowing talented Indian scholars working on...
-
28 May 2025
Gaan avondmensen cognitief sneller achteruit dan ochtendmensen?
Wie ’s avonds opleeft en laat naar bed gaat, heeft een grotere kans op cognitieve achteruitgang dan een ochtendmens, blijkt uit UMCG-onderzoek.
-
27 May 2025
An adventure in the brain
In the exhibition Brainstorm in the University Mueseum, Iris Sommer and two other brain researchers from Groningen explain the gut-brain connection, how it was discovered that the brain does what it does, and how games motivate you to perform...