Motivation
Amyloids are non-covalent protein polymers which form because of protein misfolding and aggregation. In the universal amyloid fold, β-strands arrange perpendicularly to the fiber long axis forming a unique cross-β structure. Although there are known functional amyloids, amyloid formation is most strongly associated to human neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson’s diseases. Over 50 diseases are linked to amyloid formation, and roles for amyloids in cancer are emerging. Because age is a large risk factor, and the world’s population is getting older, the number of patients with neurodegenerative disorders is rising exponentially. Since there are no cures yet, this trend poses a huge threat to society.
A major challenge hampering groundbreaking discoveries around amyloid-related diseases is a lack of basic knowledge of the underlying molecular processes. Researchers using different tools, approaches, and model systems need to join forces and work together on resolving these questions. To be transformative, advanced spectroscopy, microscopy, theory, structural biology must be combined with strategic biomolecules, new chemical probes and assays, cell and organism models, as well as a range of -omics approaches.
Mission
The mission of the Amyloid Mechanism and Disease Center is to connect researchers across department boundaries to address outstanding questions related to amyloid mechanisms and diseases. The center will stimulate and enable synergy through a range of activities and funding opportunities.
Vision
The overarching vision of the Amyloid Mechanism and Disease Center is to create an inclusive community at Rice to collectively push the frontier of amyloid mechanisms and diseases. By facilitating strategic collaborations and connections within Rice, and with faculty in the Texas Medical Center and universities around Texas, the center aims to make Rice nationally and internationally known as an excellence hub for interdisciplinary amyloid research. The goal is that the center will empower members to attract external funding, attract new hires in this field, and evolve into an important participant in the Rice Brain Institute.