Objective
We propose here to investigate the role of the nuclear NAD-synthesising enzyme nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyltransferase 1 (NMNAT1) as a fine regulator of neuron survival, aiming at identifying new targets for intervention in age-associated pathological conditions of the nervous system. NAD synthesis is central to neuron maintenance and to the action of enzymes such as sirtuins (SIRTs), poly(ADP-ribose)polymerases (PARPs), NAD glycohydrolases and ADP-ribose cyclases, involved, via gene transcription or by signalling mechanisms, in the regulation of cell and organism lifespan, in the response of neurons to stress and in protection in models of neurodegenerative diseases. NMNAT’s involvement in these processes is rapidly emerging but has not been investigated in detail. Our preliminary studies indicate that nuclear isozyme NMNAT1 is required for neuron maintenance. Building on this, here we will test the hypothesis that NMNAT1 controls neuron survival by regulating the activity of downstream enzyme SIRT1. This project is based on the unique availability to the host laboratory of Nmnat1 genetically modified mice and on the perfect match between the expertise of the host laboratory and the complementary skills of the IEF applicant, Dr Jessica De Ingeniis, a talented researcher who has received extensive training in NAD biochemistry and metabolomics in Italy and USA. This study, which can only be accomplished by combining these skills of the IEF fellow with the mouse genetics and neurobiology expertise of the supervisor, will serve two crucial purposes. It will provide vital insights into the mechanisms of neuronal survival and the role of nuclear NAD biosynthesis, constituting a fundamental prelude to the development of specific inhibitors and activators of NMNAT1 with a pharmaceutical application; and it will fill important gaps in the competences of the IEF fellow representing a crucial, final step into the development of her independent research career.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences biological sciences neurobiology
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules proteins enzymes
You need to log in or register to use this function
We are sorry... an unexpected error occurred during execution.
You need to be authenticated. Your session might have expired.
Thank you for your feedback. You will soon receive an email to confirm the submission. If you have selected to be notified about the reporting status, you will also be contacted when the reporting status will change.
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
FP7-PEOPLE-2013-IEF
See other projects for this call
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Coordinator
NG7 2RD Nottingham
United Kingdom
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.