Project Code
MRCNMH26Ba Mason
Project Type
Wet lab
Research Theme
Neuroscience and Mental Health
Project Summary Download
Summary
Phosphorylation of the protein α-synuclein at serine 129 (pS129) is a defining feature of Parkinson’s disease and related conditions. This project will explore an innovative therapeutic strategy: designing PhosTAC peptides — bifunctional molecules that bring the cell’s own phosphatases into contact with α-synuclein, allowing selective removal of the harmful phosphate at pS129. The student will use peptide library screening to discover candidate molecules, followed by biophysical and cellular assays to measure how they interact with α-synuclein. Advanced techniques such as NMR spectroscopy will then be applied to reveal how PhosTACs remodel α-synuclein’s structure at the atomic level. This is an interdisciplinary project at the interface of peptide drug design, structural biology, and neurodegeneration research. The student will gain cutting-edge skills across chemical biology and neuroscience, contributing to the development of a novel class of therapeutic molecules for Parkinson’s disease.
Lead Supervisor
Professor Jody Mason
Lead Supervisor Email
University Affiliation
Bath