The work of CAJAL has been carried out through 6 work packages, which have included management, specific training for the fellow, exploitation and dissemination of results, and the experimental objectives to decipher the role of Ocn in motoneuronal autophagy and its therapeutic effect in ageing.
Regarding the results obtained in WP2-4, by using genetic modulation of Ocn/Gpr158 (Ocn's receptor), we have shown that systemic factors affect locomotor functions. In addition, we have shown that Ocn/Gpr158 coupling regulates autophagy in spinal cord MNs and that this is essential for locomotion. These data led to the development of a novel therapeutic approach to treat age-related locomotor decline by restoring systemic levels of Ocn.
For WP5 and 6, which included training and knowledge transfer, dissemination and exploitation, the researcher attended a training course focused on ageing (Advanced Cajal Course), attended international and national meetings, and developed expertise in writing articles, grants and patent applications. In total, the fellow has supervised BSc, MSc, and PhD students, presented his research through poster presentations (4 in total), will publish several articles as first or co-author (including national and international collaborations) and is preparing the application of 2 patents on novel ageing therapies. All at all, fellow’s expertise in young researchers training, writing grants and publications, and in intellectual property rights has been expanded beyond expected. In my personal opinion, I have developed a deeper knowledge of ageing biology, autophagy, and systemic factors, and have developed agility in cutting-edge approaches and lab management. I have also started my own network in Spanish autophagy and European neuroscience fields, which will be crucial for my career.
Results of CAJAL are/will be reported in 1) forthcoming papers about the role of Ocn and autophagy in locomotion, 2) patents, and 3) future poster/oral communications in national and international meetings.
