Development of human recombinant GOT–polymer bioconjugates for the treatment of ischemic stroke

Glutamate, the most widespread excitatory neuromediator in the brain, plays an important role in learning and memory functions. At very high cerebral concentrations it is likely to cause pathological effects (nerve cell death), such as those encountered in ischemic stroke. To reduce the toxic concentrations of glutamate in the brain, several approaches have been developed. Unfortunately, despite the relative effectiveness of some treatments, several adverse side-effects have been reported. In this project we will develop a treatment that takes advantage of a rapid and perfectly natural physiological event that consists in causing an efflux of glutamate from the brain to the peripheral blood. To achieve this, we will administer an enzyme, naturally present in the human body, which will degrade blood glutamate and decrease its blood concentrations. This decrease should lead to the migration of cerebral glutamate to the blood and consequently the reduction of its toxic levels in the brain. To prolong the effect of the enzyme, we will graft a polymer on its surface. This will allow us to decrease the frequency of injection of our treatment (from a few hours to several weeks). To be continued…

Faculty Supervisor:

Marc André Gauthier

Student:

Partner:

Clinical University Hospital (CHUS)

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Pharmaceuticals; Health and Related Sciences & Technology; Biotechnology

University:

Université du Québec : Institut national de la recherche scientifique

Program: