Project description
RNA editing for kidney disease
Gene editing technologies have shown great promise as a means of correcting disease-causing mutations at the DNA level. RNA editing offers a potentially safer alternative by modifying gene expression without altering the genome. It works by modifying and correcting specific mutations in RNA transcripts using enzymes such as adenosine deaminase acting on RNA. The ERC-funded KidneyGenRx project focuses on chronic kidney disease that affects nearly 10 % of adults globally and is often driven by inherited disorders like renal cystic ciliopathies. In the Israeli Druze population, a newly identified WDR19 mutation is a major contributor to early kidney failure. KidneyGenRx will develop a proof-of-concept therapy using RNA editing to correct this mutation in patient-derived organoids and animal models.
Objective
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a significant global health burden, affecting approximately 10% of the adult population worldwide. It is estimated that 10-20% of advanced CKD cases are caused by genetic kidney diseases, with renal cystic ciliopathies being the most common genetic contributors. In the Israeli Druze population, we have identified a novel homozygous mutation in the WDR19 gene as the leading cause of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), particularly leading to renal failure in young adults. Currently, kidney failure caused by renal cystic ciliopathies can only be treated through renal replacement therapies, such as dialysis or transplantation, as no specific therapeutic interventions are available.
This project aims to establish proof of concept that RNA editing can serve as a viable therapeutic strategy for genetically driven kidney failure. By employing Site-Directed RNA Editing (SDRE) through the action of Adenosine Deaminase Acting on RNA (ADAR) enzymes, we aim to correct the pathogenic WDR19 mutation (c.878G>A) at the RNA level.
Our efforts will focus on optimizing guide RNA (gRNA) design and improving delivery mechanisms to maximize editing efficiency and therapeutic outcomes. The efficacy of this approach will be evaluated by its ability to rescue the disease phenotype in patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived kidney organoids and further validated in murine models.
If successful, this proof-of-concept project could pave the way for RNA editing-based therapies as a transformative treatment for genetic kidney diseases.
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.
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Programme(s)
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Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
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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
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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-ERC-POC - HORIZON ERC Proof of Concept Grants
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Call for proposal
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Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2024-POC
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52621 Ramat Gan
Israel
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