Objective
Autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type I (APS I), a rare genetic disorder of childhood, has proven to be an invaluable tool in understanding autoimmune reactions. APS I (OMIM 240300), also known as APECED (autoimmune polyendocrinopathy-candidiasis-ectodermal dystrophy), is a severe autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the Aire gene on chromosome 21. The disorder begins in early childhood and the patients gradually develop symptoms from autoimmune reactions in different endocrine and non-endocrine tissues and, in addition, mucocutaneous candidiasis, one of the hallmarks of the disease phenotype. APS I is characterized by autoantibodies against several defined autoantigens often identical to those found in more common autoimmune disorders such as type 1 diabetes mellitus and Addison's disease. The defective gene, Aire, has been identified and multiple mutations have been characterized. Aire-deficient mice, with the same genetic defect as the human disease, have been produced.
The aim is to capitalize on the collected strengths and expertise of European investigators and establish a pan-European patient database and biobank. A further aim is to use a genome-wide approach to define the signalling pathways affected by the defective Aire molecule. Another aim is to maximize the human-mouse cross talk in our efforts to identify tissue specific autoantigens and immunological peptides of importance in patients and mice, and to determine their role in the disease pathogenesis. Our genomics-based approach will facilitate the identification of genes modulating the intensity and/or the course of autoimmune reactions as well as the cause of Candida albicans infection in APS I patients. This information will not only help patients with this rare disorder but will also increase our understanding of the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases in general and could potentially lead to novel therapeutic strategies for treating common autoimmune disorders.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules
- medical and health sciences clinical medicine endocrinology diabetes
- medical and health sciences basic medicine immunology autoimmune diseases
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics mutation
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics chromosomes
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.
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.
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.
FP6-2003-LIFESCIHEALTH-I
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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.
Coordinator
UPPSALA
Sweden
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Participants (16)
PADOVA
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DUBLIN 2
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OXFORD
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CANBERRA
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LUND
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BERGEN
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HANNOVER
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HELSINKI
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TARTU
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PERUGIA
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HONG KONG SAR
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SHEFFIELD
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CAGLIARI
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PARKVILLE, VICTORIA
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DUBLIN
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BASEL
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