RECOMBINANT MOLECULAR PRODUCTS FOR EXPRESSION OF HEME OXYGENASE-1, HEME OXYGENASE-2, AND/OR BILIVERDIN REDUCTASE FOR TREATMENT OF NEURODEGENERATIVE DISEASES OR DISORDERS

摘要

Methods of treating or preventing a neurodegenerative disease or disorder using ex vivo or in vivo gene therapy are disclosed. The gene therapy utilizes a chimeric gene or expression vector containing the same, where the chimeric gene includes a DNA molecule encoding a mammalian protein selected from the group of HO-1, HO-2, and BVR, and a promoter, expressible in neuronal cells that is operably coupled 5' of the DNA molecule. An additional method of treating or preventing a neurodegenerative disease or disorder involves administering to a patient a protein or polypeptide selected from HO-1, HO-2, and BVR.