Inventors:
Asa Abeliovich - New York NY, US
John Staropoli - New York NY, US
International Classification:
A61K038/48, C12N009/64
Abstract:
The present invention provides a parkin-associated complex. The present invention further provides methods for promoting ubiquitination of cyclin E in neurons, for decreasing cyclin E in neurons, for treating or preventing neurodegeneration in a subject, and for protecting neurons from excitotoxicity. Additionally, the present invention provides a therapeutic composition, and use of the therapeutic composition in an animal model. The present invention further provides a method for identifying an agent which interacts with a parkin-associated complex, agents identified by this method, and use of a parkin-associated agent to protect neurons from excitotoxicity. Additionally, the present invention provides methods for determining whether a subject has neurodegeneration, for assessing the efficacy of therapy to treat neurodegeneration in a subject, and for assessing the prognosis of a subject who has neurodegeneration. Finally, the present invention provides a kit for use in detecting neurodegeneration.