Objective
Neurodevelopmental disorders like autism (ASD) and Fragile X syndrome (FXS) are associated with changes in microglia function and synaptic pruning. No approved or effective therapies exist for FXS/ASD. Novel therapies are needed that target microglia, distinct from conventional drugs targeting neurons. Research on synaptic pruning mediated by microglia is scarce, and the role of microglia in FXS/ASD has been overlooked. Previous studies, including my own work and studies from the host laboratory, however, advanced approaches for analysis of microglia-synapse interactions and demonstrated that the abnormal pruning may be associated with the Integrated Stress Response (ISR) pathway since the elevated phosphorylation of eIF2α is linked to neuroinflammatory disorders characterized by excessive synapse loss. Thus, impaired microglial eIF2α phosphorylation may decrease synaptic pruning, highlighting eIF2α as an attractive target for restoring synaptic pruning in FXS/ASD. My project aims to uncover microglia's contribution to FXS/ASD pathophysiology. First, I will address how the FXS/ASD state affects synaptic pruning by microglia, microglial morphology, and function. Second, I will explore the role of microglia and FAM69, a novel kinase mediating eIF2α phosphorylation, in impaired synaptic pruning at the molecular and cellular levels. Genetically engineered mice and human brain organoids will facilitate visualization and targeting of microglia-synapse interaction. To assess changes in synaptic pruning, I will use viral vector-assisted silencing and overexpression of microglial FAM69, validating their impact on synaptic pruning by vital two-photon microscopy. Finally, I will evaluate whether these interventions can alleviate autism-like behavior. With this integrative approach, I aim to uncover novel molecular pathways mediating the synaptic pruning by microglia and to identify new targets for the treatment of FXS/ASD.
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.
- medical and health sciences basic medicine physiology pathophysiology
- natural sciences physical sciences optics microscopy
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
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.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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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.
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.
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.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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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.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01
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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.
700 13 IRAKLEIO
Greece
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.