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RNA-mediated intercellular miscommunication: role of extracellular vesicle cargos in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Objective

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a rare neurodegenerative disorder that primarily targets upper and lower motor neurons. The progression of the disease is mediated by altered intercellular communication in the spinal cord between neurons and glial cells. Intercellular communication, mainly happening through extracellular vesicles (EVs) is responsible for the horizontal transfer of proteins and RNAs to recipient cells. Recently, I proved that EVs released from ALS mutant astrocytes selectively induced toxicity in wild type motor neuron, thus reinforcing the notion that astrocytes exert toxicity in ALS disease propagation and suggesting EVs as mediators of toxicity. Although, multiple factors can play a role in motor neuron degeneration, recent evidences point toward a fundamental role for RNA and RNA-binding protein dys-homeostasis as crucial players in ALS pathogenesis. Therefore, the overarching goal of ExItALS is to characterize the astrocyte-EVs RNA cargos, -through RNA deep-sequencing (Aim1). This approach will be complemented by the use of high-resolution flow cytometry (secondment) to separate EV populations and determine which one(s) is(are) responsible for motor neuron toxicity (Aim2). The present research proposal is a synthesis of my interests in neurodegenerative diseases and my expertise in biochemistry and neurobiology. At the Host Institution I will greatly benefit from the scientific exchange with several PIs interested in RNA biology, particularly with my supervisor, whose skills in RNA-binding protein biology and bioinformatics analyses will perfectly integrate and consolidate my molecular and biochemical expertise. The MSCA-RI-IF will be instrumental to develop this initial hypothesis into deeper biological understanding of ALS and represent a crucial support to my scientific integration as a competitive, woman investigator in the transition from a researcher position to an independent academic career.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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Programme(s)

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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.

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.

MSCA-IF-EF-RI - RI – Reintegration panel

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Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) H2020-MSCA-IF-2016

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Coordinator

UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DI TRENTO
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 180 277,20
Address
VIA CALEPINA 14
38122 TRENTO
Italy

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Region
Nord-Est Provincia Autonoma di Trento Trento
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost

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.

€ 180 277,20
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