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miRNA regulation of developmental sodium channel isoform transition and its implications for Dravet syndrome

Descripción del proyecto

Un nuevo tratamiento para la epilepsia

El síndrome de Dravet es un tipo raro genético de epilepsia con crisis que comienzan a una edad temprana y provocan retrasos en el desarrollo. Los pacientes no responden a la medicación convencional y gran parte de ellos no alcanza la edad adulta. El síndrome de Dravet está causado por mutaciones en el gen SCN1A, que codifica una proteína de transmembrana responsable del transporte de iones en las células neuronales. El objetivo del proyecto miRSodium, financiado por las Acciones Marie Skłodowska-Curie, es comprender cómo surge la isoforma SCN1A mutada. De este modo, su equipo se propone desarrollar una terapia génica para el síndrome de Dravet basada en la regulación mediada por microARN.

Objetivo

Dravet syndrome (DS) is a rare epileptic encephalopathy affecting ~1:20000 children, who suffer from infantile seizures and lifelong deficits in cognitive, motor, behavioural, and social skills. DS can cause premature mortality with up to 21% of patients not reaching adulthood. Despite the known genetic origin – 80% of patients carry a mutation in the SCN1A gene encoding the alpha1 subunit of the sodium voltage gated channel – there is no cure for this disease. The symptoms of DS start at ~ six months of age, shortly after the transition from the developmental Nav1.3 (SCN3A gene) to the postnatal Nav1.1 (SCN1A) channel isoform carrying the mutation. The mechanism of this transition remains unexplained, which hinders the Nav1.3 isoform-based DS therapy. I will build upon the recently discovered miRNAs’ (short, non-coding RNA) regulatory effect on SCN1A and 3A genes to elucidate regulation of the isoform transition. My ULTIMATE AIM is to harness the protective effect of the Nav1.3 isoform via miRNA regulation as a DS treatment. I will untangle the miRNA profile of DS from birth to the symptom onset in a well-established mouse model. Through miRNA expression manipulation, I will resolve miRNA function in SCN1A and 3A regulation, its impact on the brain, and ultimately on DS symptoms. My skills in developmental epilepsy models will combine with Prof Henshall’s expertise in miRNA function and use in treatment (shown by miRNA-based treatments for epilepsy in pre-clinical development) to deliver novel treatment options for devastating DS and advance the field of miRNA regulation in the brain. This training & collaboration with top neurobiologists at three excellent institutions – RCSI (host), UA & UMCU (secondment partners) – will advance my skills & employability and propel my career in developmental neurobiology. It will also contribute to the quality of Europe's research and innovation, increasing its competitiveness and attractiveness as a leading research destination.

Ámbito científico (EuroSciVoc)

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Programa(s)

Tema(s)

Régimen de financiación

HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships

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Convocatoria de propuestas

(se abrirá en una nueva ventana) HORIZON-MSCA-2021-PF-01

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Coordinador

ROYAL COLLEGE OF SURGEONS IN IRELAND
Aportación neta de la UEn
€ 215 534,40
Dirección
ST STEPHEN GREER 123
D02 YN77 DUBLIN 2
Irlanda
Región
Ireland Eastern and Midland Dublin
Tipo de actividad
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Enlaces
Coste total
Sin datos

Socios (2)