Project description DEENESFRITPL The role of microRNA methylation in epilepsy Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterised by seizures which are triggered by abnormal neural activity in the brain. Research over the years has provided valuable insight into the molecular mechanism underlying epileptogenesis. The EU-funded MethylMiR project focuses on microRNAs (miRNAs), short, single-stranded RNA molecules known for their role in transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. Researchers wish to understand how miRNA methylation may affect neural activity in the brain. They will evaluate methylated miRNAs in the hippocampus in the brain in epilepsy and also test the possibility of targeting miRNA methylation as a therapeutic intervention in a disease mouse model. Show the project objective Hide the project objective Objective Evidence is emerging that persistent changes in gene expression regulation and post-transcriptional regulation underlies the epileptogenic process. The current proposal builds on preliminary data which suggests that microRNAs (miRNA), which have recently emerged as critical regulators of epileptogenesis, may be subjected to adenosine methylation (m6A), and that this process may also be disrupted in epilepsy, representing an unexplored layer of gene expression regulation likely to influence neuronal activity and seizures. The current proposal will evaluate the effect of m6A on miRNA function, to understand how this influences normal brain behaviour and epileptogenesis. To achieve this, a combined strategy will be used, including interdisciplinary approaches, international and national secondments (University of Aarhus and RSCI), and intersectoral collaborations, which encompasses clinicians (Beaumont Hospital) and industry (STORM Therapeutics). First, hippocampal m6A-tagged miRNAs both during epileptogenesis and in chronic epilepsy will be profiled using an adapted m6A-seq approach using an epilepsy mouse model and resected human epilepsy brain tissue. Then, the effect of m6A on miRNA function and neuronal integrity will be evaluated by targeting miRNA methylation in both mouse and human cell lines. Next, clinical outcomes of pharmacological targeting of miRNA methylation on epilepsy development will be evaluated using an epilepsy mouse model. Together this proposal represents the first miRNA methylation study in the brain, which is hoped will illuminate novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of epilepsy. This project is ideal to further my interest in translational neuroscience while also developing a network of collaborators across Europe and develop my scientific skills. This fellowship represents the best option to achieve my career goal of establishing myself as an independent researcher and consolidating my career in the European research environment. Fields of science natural sciencesbiological sciencesneurobiologymedical and health sciencesbasic medicineneurologyepilepsy Programme(s) HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Main Programme Topic(s) HORIZON-MSCA-2021-PF-01-01 - MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2021 Call for proposal HORIZON-MSCA-2021-PF-01 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme HORIZON-AG-UN - HORIZON Unit Grant Coordinator UNIVERSITY COLLEGE DUBLIN, NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF IRELAND, DUBLIN Net EU contribution € 215 534,40 Address Belfield 4 Dublin Ireland See on map Region Ireland Eastern and Midland Dublin Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Other funding € 0,00 Partners (2) Sort alphabetically Sort by Net EU contribution Expand all Collapse all ROYAL COLLEGE OF SURGEONS IN IRELAND Ireland Net EU contribution € 0,00 Address St stephen's green 123 2 Dublin See on map Region Ireland Northern and Western Border Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Other funding € 0,00 Omiics ApS Denmark Net EU contribution € 0,00 Address Åbogade 15 8200 Aarhus n See on map SME The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed. Yes Region Danmark Midtjylland Østjylland Activity type Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Other funding € 0,00
